Understanding Temperature for Houseplants

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It is important to maintain the right temperature range for your houseplants. Having their origin in the tropical regions of the world, majority of houseplants require a fairly constant warm temperature during the growing season and a slightly lower temperature during the dormancy (resting) period. Nearly all houseplants will flourish if the day temperature is within 10-25⁰C range and a 5-10⁰C drop in night temperature. If the temperature is not right, growth may suffer and the plant may even die.

Majority of houseplants are highly tolerant and will survive temperatures slightly above or below their preferred range for short periods of time. However, a temperature drop of night temperature of more than 15⁰C, could be fatal or damaging to houseplants. Desert Cacti and Succulents are an exception; in their desert home they are adapted to hot days and cold nights.

It is important to maintain the right temperature range for your houseplants. Protect them from draughts and sudden changes in temperature; keep them away from hot air vents, windy windowsills, opening doors, hot stoves among others.

Some signs of wrong temperature;

• Leaf curl, followed by browning and leaf fall is an indication of too cold temperature.
• Lower leaves wilt, edges turn brown and the bottom leaves fall is caused by too warm temperature.
• If the flowers are short-lived, the temperature is too warm.
• Spindly growth under good light is an indication of too warm temperature.
• Leaves rapidly turn yellow and eventually fall indicates that there is a sudden pronounced change in temperature.

General Rule for Temperature for Houseplants

Houseplants need a fairly constant and moderate temperature during the growing season and a lower temperature during the resting season (cold season).

Note: There are many exceptions to this rule. Look up the requirements of your houseplant in this Houseplants A-Z Guide.

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