Plant Care 101: Ingredients your plant needs to thrive — Temperature
Houseplants are like Goldilocks — they do not like extremes, and instead prefer temperatures that are just right.
Many plant species are adapted to exist in a narrow range of temperatures, and — to keep your Welltended plants thriving — must exist in a habitat with “just right” temperatures. Here, I detail the importance of keeping your plant neither too hot nor too cold.
Ideal temperatures
While different for each houseplant species, a generalized ideal temperature range for houseplants is between 70–80℉ during the day and 65–70℉ at night. During the day, plants prefer warmer conditions while they use the process of photosynthesis to create food. Cooler temperatures at night allow the plant to slow its metabolism; allowing it to conserve its food stores and reduce the amount of sunlight and water it needs during the day.
Conveniently, the range of temperatures houseplants prefer happens to be room temperature conditions. Most houses, apartments, and offices maintain temperatures between 65 and 75 ℉, and are warmer during the day and cooler at night. Because our habitats are already ideal for houseplants, the only danger we must be wary of are cold drafts and excessive heat.
Avoid cold drafts
It’s important to keep your indoor plants warmer than 50 ℉. Many houseplant species are native to the tropics, and consistent exposure to temperatures below 50 degrees will harm the plant. Houseplants are often placed in windows to receive ample sunlight, but windows are also the most drafty place in the home or office. When winter is coming, it’s important to check for and plug drafts around the window to prevent your plants from catching a chill.
Avoid excessive heat
Excessive heat is also a danger to plants. Either from a stuffy room in the summer or a hot radiator in the winter, excessive heat will stress your houseplant and cause its leaves to wilt and drop. If you notice these signs of excessive heat, you can either relocate your houseplant away from the heat source, or perhaps place a strategic fan or air conditioner to lower the room’s temperature.
I hope this primer on plant temperature was helpful! As always, feel free to contact me with questions or concerns about your houseplant.
