Caring For Your Plants In Colder Temps

When temps start dropping, you aren't the only one feeling the chill- your plants can suffer too! A few simple measures can prevent any damage, and keep all your plants healthy all winter long. 

Keep plants from touching window glass.

Even from the inside, window glass can get very cold when it's cold outside. Make sure plant leaves aren't touching the glass when temps are especially cold. 

Adjust watering as needed.

When it's colder out and the days are shorter, plants dry out more slowly and won't need water as frequently. Additionally, because temps are colder at night, it's best to avoid bottom-watering at night so that roots aren't sitting in extra cold water all night. 

Account for changes in light. 

The colder months are also darker months, so if you haven't already, make adjustments to account for these changes. Rearrange plants as needed in order to get them into the brightest spots in your space (which may be different in winter than in summer). If plants are struggling from lack of light, consider using grow lights to supplement.  

Bring in plants from outside. 

If you live in a warmer climate like we do in southern California, most plants can stay outside all winter, but on the occasional nights where temps drop below 45º, you'll want to bring any plants that aren't cold-hardy inside, or protect them with a blanket if you can't bring them inside. 

Protect plants in transport.

If you're purchasing new plants, avoid leaving them in the car for too long when it's cold outside, and avoid letting leaves touch any window glass. 

Though they're just as sensitive to the cold as we are (if not more so), with the right care your plants can stay cozy, and healthy all winter-long!