House plants bring so much life and beauty into our homes, but they can be a bit picky when it comes to temperature. Many popular house plants are tropical in nature, which means they thrive in warm, humid environments. But what happens when your home gets too cold, especially during the winter months? If you’re dealing with chilly temperatures indoors and worried about the health of your beloved plants, don’t panic! There are several ways to protect your green friends and keep them happy even when your house feels more like a fridge.
Let’s dive into some strategies to help your plants survive—and even still thrive—when the temperature drops!
What To Do If Your Home Is Too Cold For Plants
Tips for handling house plants and chilly indoor air:
1. Know Your Plants’ Temperature Needs
The first step in keeping your plants happy in a cold house is understanding their specific temperature requirements. Different plants have different tolerances for cold, so knowing the ideal range for each of your house plants is key. Most tropical plants prefer temperatures between 60-80°F (15-27°C). Anything below 50°F (10°C) can start to cause stress, and prolonged exposure to colder temperatures can lead to permanent damage.
If you’re not sure what temperature your plant prefers, do a little research on its natural habitat. For example, plants like snake plants, pothos, and ZZ plants are quite hardy and can tolerate cooler temperatures better than more sensitive plants like orchids, ferns, or philodendrons. Knowing which plants are more vulnerable will help you prioritize which ones need extra care.
2. Move Plants Away from Drafts
Cold drafts are a big no-no for house plants. Windows, doors, and poorly insulated areas can allow cold air to seep in, creating a much cooler environment than the rest of the room. Even if the overall temperature of your home is fine, a draft can make it feel much colder for your plants.
If your plants are sitting near drafty windows or doors, move them to a more protected location. You don’t have to take them far—just relocating them a few feet away from a window can make a huge difference. If you love having plants by the window for natural light, consider investing in thicker curtains to block out the cold while still allowing some sunlight to come through.
3. Keep Plants Away from Heaters and Radiators
While you want to protect your plants from the cold, placing them too close to a heat source is also problematic. Heaters, radiators, and heating vents can dry out the air and create sudden temperature fluctuations, which can stress your plants. The dry heat can suck the moisture out of your plant’s leaves and soil, leading to wilting or browning tips.
Instead of placing your plants directly near a heat source, keep them at a safe distance where they can still benefit from the warmth without getting scorched. You can also use a space heater in the room to gently raise the overall temperature without directly blasting your plants.
4. Boost Humidity Levels
One of the biggest challenges for house plants in colder weather is the lack of humidity. When we turn on our heaters, the air inside becomes much drier, and tropical plants—especially those that thrive in rainforests—can struggle in low humidity environments.
To combat this, consider using a humidifier in the room where your plants are. A humidifier adds moisture back into the air, creating a more plant-friendly environment. If you don’t have a humidifier, you can also mist your plants with water every few days or place them near a shallow tray filled with water and pebbles to increase the local humidity.
Grouping your plants together is another effective way to boost humidity. Plants naturally release moisture into the air through a process called transpiration, and when they’re placed close together, they can create a mini humid environment that benefits all the plants in the group.
5. Use Grow Lights for Extra Warmth and Light
In the colder months, not only does the temperature drop, but the days also get shorter, which means your plants are getting less natural light. Many house plants rely on light to produce energy and stay healthy, so this reduction in sunlight can affect their growth.
To make up for the lack of sunlight, consider using grow lights. Grow lights not only provide the light your plants need but also give off a little extra warmth, which can help combat the colder temperatures in your home. You can find affordable grow lights online, and they’re easy to set up. Just make sure to give your plants a break from the lights at night to mimic their natural day-night cycle.
6. Insulate Pots and Planters
Believe it or not, cold can seep into your plants through their pots, especially if they’re placed on cold tile or hardwood floors. If you notice that your plants’ soil is consistently cold to the touch, it might be a good idea to insulate their pots.
One easy way to do this is by placing your plants on a plant stand or a layer of cork, which helps keep the pots from direct contact with cold surfaces. You can also use insulated pot covers, which are designed to keep the roots warm during colder months. For an easy DIY solution, wrap the pots in burlap or bubble wrap to add an extra layer of insulation.
7. Water Your Plants Less Frequently
Cold weather often means that plants require less water, as they enter a semi-dormant state during the winter months. Overwatering in the cold can lead to root rot, especially if the soil isn’t drying out as quickly due to lower temperatures and humidity.
Before watering, always check the soil moisture by sticking your finger about an inch into the soil. If it’s still damp, hold off on watering for a few more days. In the winter, many plants only need to be watered every two to three weeks, depending on the type of plant and the temperature in your home.
Don’t automatically assume though that since it’s chillier that your plant needs less water. Check the soil and pay attention to the signs that your plant is giving you (like wilting leaves, drooping stems, new growth or a lack of, etc).
8. Add Mulch to Potted Plants
Mulch isn’t just for outdoor gardening—it can also help insulate potted plants indoors. Adding a thin layer of mulch on top of the soil helps to retain heat and moisture, keeping the roots protected from temperature fluctuations. You can use small wood chips, moss, or even decorative stones as mulch for your indoor plants.
Not only does mulch help with insulation, but it also adds a nice decorative touch to your plant’s pot, making it look even more attractive.
9. Use a Heat Mat for Sensitive Plants
For particularly cold-sensitive plants, like orchids or certain tropical varieties, a heat mat can be a lifesaver. These mats are designed to gently warm the soil, keeping the roots at a more consistent and comfortable temperature. Heat mats are often used for seed germination but work just as well for house plants in cold environments.
Simply place the heat mat under the pot, and it will warm the soil without raising the temperature of the entire room.
But, make sure to monitor your plants, though, to avoid overheating them. In general too much hear will kill your plant faster than a little chill inside the house which will just make them go dormant.
10. Be Patient and Expect Slow Growth
During colder months, many house plants naturally slow down their growth or go into a semi-dormant state. This is completely normal, and it’s important not to panic if your plant isn’t growing as quickly as it did during the warmer months. Patience is key!
Instead of focusing on new growth, use this time to keep your plants healthy and stable. Make sure they’re in a good environment with enough warmth, light, and humidity, and let them take their winter “rest.” Once the temperatures warm up again in spring, your plants will likely bounce back and start growing more impressively and with momentum again.
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