Certain plants might find it challenging to adapt to changes in external weather conditions and temperatures. If this occurs, it’s recommended to bring them inside before the nighttime temperatures drop below 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
Before winter sets in, it’s wise to move your houseplants outdoors so they become accustomed to outdoor weather and light intensity.
Temperature
Maintaining the ideal temperature for your plants is essential to their wellbeing. Temperatures that are too high will dry them out, while those too low could stunt their growth or even cause death.
Houseplants typically prefer temperatures around 65 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and a few degrees cooler at night. However, each plant is slightly different, so be sure to assess your specific needs before making a final decision.
Temperature changes or prolonged cold spells can be disastrous for indoor plants. A drop of up to 10 degrees Fahrenheit in temperature can drastically impact most types of indoor vegetation, so be mindful and adjust accordingly.
Another factor that can negatively affect your plants’ temperature is light. Most houseplants require ample amounts of illumination to thrive, so the shift in lighting can cause them to suffer. During fall and winter, it’s wise to move your plants closer to windows for extra natural sunlight exposure.
It’s also beneficial to rotate your plants frequently between watering sessions, so they get light on all sides of the pot. Furthermore, spraying a light mist on your plants may help increase their humidity levels.
Some plants are more vulnerable to temperature changes than others, so you should do some research on yours and find out its ideal temperature range. If it’s cold outside, you may want to keep an eye on things by placing a thermometer near your plant for monitoring its progress.
When transitioning your plants indoors, the ideal time is when their indoor and outdoor temperatures are similar – usually the end of summer or early September. This helps avoid shock and gives them time to adjust.
Though some plants are more vulnerable than others, most can handle the transition well. It’s wise to bring them in a few weeks prior to the first frost date so they have time to adjust and become comfortable in their new conditions.
Sunlight
Sunlight is the primary source of energy for plants and essential for photosynthesis. Without it, plants cannot absorb enough water or carbon dioxide to survive and would lack essential nutrients.
Plant species require different amounts of light for photosynthesis to take place and create nutritious food for themselves. No matter what kind of plant you have, it’s essential that they receive adequate illumination so they can thrive.
Many indoor plants have evolved ways of photosynthesizing without direct sunlight. Their leaves contain chloroplasts and chlorophyll, which absorb a combination of red and blue light for chemical energy conversion.
Plants that need full sun can only receive this type of illumination if there are no obstructions such as curtains or blinds between them and the window, or a tall tree providing shade. On the other hand, some plants may tolerate indirect light from a window provided the day is brief and warm.
Some indoor plants require only a few hours of sun each day to photosynthesise, while others require up to 4-6 hours. This is because the process has both light and dark phases, with just enough blue and red light stimulating photosynthesis.
It’s essential to recognize that the amount of light a plant receives depends on its proximity and window direction in the room. Southern exposure offers the most intense sunlight, while eastern and western exposures provide less intense rays.
Furthermore, the intensity of light that plants receive can be dramatically affected by temperature and humidity. Cooler climates reduce their exposure to intense light while hotter ones cause plants to burn or bleach their leaves.
Indoor plants such as rubber trees and money plants typically need little to no direct sunlight to begin photosynthesis. Bright fluorescent lights pointed slightly away from the plant can be sufficient to start this process, but be sure to leave them on for at least 4-6 hours each day so that all stages can take place properly.
Humidity
Indoor plants, particularly those from tropical regions, require high humidity levels to thrive. When these conditions aren’t replicated for your plant, it could suffer and show signs of distress.
Humidity is the amount of water vapor present in the air, regardless of temperature. Absolute humidity is commonly used; however, relative humidity is more accurate as it takes into account moisture absorbed and how temperature affects its concentration.
Relative humidity levels are highest in places with hot water, such as the bathroom and kitchen. Steam from showers, cooking, and laundry adds an abundance of water to the air.
If your home’s relative humidity level is low, adding a humidifier can help increase it. This method has the advantage of raising the overall indoor humidity and eliminating problems related to high humidity like mold and mildew growth.
Another way to increase humidity around your plants is by misting them. While this solution is cost-effective and simple, it only works temporarily; regular usage of the mister is necessary for lasting results.
Grouping multiple houseplants together will naturally increase humidity levels in their environment, but you must still monitor them closely to make sure their water needs are being met.
Dry air can stress a plant, leading it to become stressed and prevent it from flowering. Additionally, flowers that open too quickly may wilt prematurely.
Common warning signs that your plants need higher humidity levels include wilting, brown leaves and yellowing stems. If you observe any of these symptoms, try to increase the humidity in your house immediately.
Plants possess thousands of tiny pores on the underside of their leaves, known as stomata, that help them absorb and release water. When humidity levels drop, these pore can close down and prevent water evaporation.
Dehydration is a serious issue for plants in dry climates, as they cannot replenish the water they are losing at the same rate. This can cause leaves and stems to wilt, eventually leading to permanent damage to their health.
Water
One of the most essential steps you can take to prepare your houseplants for an extended absence is making an accurate assessment of each plant’s water requirements. Then, set up a water globe or spike that will ensure your plants remain hydrated until you return.
The correct type of water for your plants will also help avoid chemical buildup in their soil, which could result in brown or yellow leaves or even death. You can achieve this by using distilled water which is free from minerals, or collecting rainwater to use on your gardens.
No matter the type of water you choose to hydrate your plants with, it’s always best to water when the top inch soil feels dry. For succulents and cacti, this may be as often as once a week or twice a month depending on species.
Checking soil moisture can be done easily by sticking your finger (up to the knuckle) into it and feeling for wetness or dryness. Some plants require daily watering while others only need it occasionally for a few days or weeks at a time.
Most indoor plants fall somewhere in between, so it’s up to you to determine their individual requirements. While it isn’t a scientific process, knowing what works best for each particular plant will go a long way toward keeping them contented and healthy while you’re away.
Overwatering is the number one culprit when it comes to plant health, causing them to wilt and inviting fungus gnats that can quickly cause devastating damage. In fact, overwatering is the number one reason why houseplants die due to this issue.
If you can’t collect rainwater or don’t want to invest in it, tap water can still be fine for most plants as long as it hasn’t been softened with salts that could clog its roots. However, some types of plants do not tolerate chlorinated water well.
Distilled water is another great option for watering indoor plants, though it’s not always easy to locate and can be pricey. Ultimately, the most dependable type of water is rainwater if available.
