Keeping the optimal temperature regime in your home is one of the factors that help create a perfect growing environment for your houseplants. Remember that your comfortable temperature isn’t always 100% suitable for your home garden.
Good for all
Most plants thrive best within the temperature range of 60–75°F (16–24°C). This is a perfect range for the majority of foliage plants (e.g., caladiums, hostas). Most flowering types (e.g., Rex begonias, African violets) prefer the same temperatures during the day with a drop to 55–60°F (13–16°C) at night, which imitates their natural growing conditions. Other plant types are less temperature-sensitive, so they fit more than well within the mentioned span.
Seasonal fluctuations
The optimal temperature for houseplants may slightly vary in different seasons. It’s recommended to maintain the range of 60–68°F (16–20°C) in the cold season and 68–75°F (20–24°C) in the warm season.
- Too hot
While some plants, especially those originating in hot and dry regions (such as cacti and succulents), can tolerate heat even above 85°F (30°C), most of the indoor flora will find it hard to endure tropical conditions at home. Extreme heat inhibits photosynthesis, making pants sleepy and flabby. In addition, hot temperatures create a flourishing environment for pests.
If temperatures are just slightly above the recommended ceiling, you can alleviate your plants’ life by misting and some extra watering.
- Too cold
While overheating is a much more frequent problem in most modern homes than freezing, cold temperatures (anything under 50°F (10°C)) pose a bigger threat to houseplants. When the environment gets too cold, your plant stops growing. Furthermore, it may die very quickly, especially if low temperatures are combined with excess watering. Make sure not to leave your plants in unheated premises in the cold season.
Signs of temperature damage
The most typical symptoms of the wrong temperature regime are:
- Slow growth
- Poor blooming or lack of blooming
- Curling leaves, browning leaf edges, yellowing leaves
- Falling leaves
Please note that the same symptoms may indicate other problems, so make sure to eliminate other potential problem factors before coming to the conclusion that your plants need higher or lower temperatures.
Commonly overlooked problems
- Temperature swings. A sharp rise or drop can cause quicker and bigger trouble than lengthy exposure to temperatures that are above or below the norm.
- Wrong location. Remember to keep your plants at a distance from cold windows, heaters, and air conditioners. While the overall temperature in the room may be normal, plants may be silently suffering from being wrongly placed.
- Drafts. Ventilation and fresh air are beneficial for plants, but hot and cold drafts may damage them.
- Unawareness of your specific plant needs. Remember to do some research on your specific plants to set up an optimal environment for them. While most plants are happy within the generally recommended temperature range, you may be the owner of a rare exception.
Tune your thermostat right and watch your plants grow and blossom!