Easy ways to keep tropical plants alive in winter

Tropical plants are native to regions which are characterized by warm temperatures, abundant sunlight and high humidity. These plants are adapted to thrive in these conditions and are vulnerable in winter months. In many regions, as winter approaches the environmental conditions that tropical plants require become scarce. The colder temperatures, lower humidity levels, and reduced sunlight can pose significant challenges to these plants’ well-being. That’s why tropical plant lovers in cooler climates need to know how to care for their tropical plants in winter. In the following sections of this guide, we will explore easy ways to nurture your prized tropical plants through the challenges of the cold season.

Why are tropical plants vulnerable during winter?

When the temperature drops too low, tropical plants can sustain temporary or permanent damage. Low temperatures can reduce a plant’s metabolic rate, which reduces energy production, growth, and healing functions. If temperatures get low enough, water in plant cells freezes and creates ice crystals, which can rupture cell structures. This is damage is permanent and in many cases will kill the plant.

Additionally, plants growing in tropical latitudes experience relatively stable daylight periods all year round. The further away we get from the equator, the more extreme the changes in daylight periods are during summer and winter. In some places there is no daylight at all during winter, so plants have no way of producing energy.

Preparing for winter

As winter’s chill approaches, preparation becomes the key to ensuring the well-being of your cherished tropical plants. When night-time temperatures have dropped below 60^o F (15^o C) and are rapidly approaching 50^o F (10^o C) it’s time to act. Your options are to protect your outdoor tropicals, move them indoors and treat them as tropical houseplants over the coldest months, or maintain them in their dormant state, such as bulbs and tubers. 

Protecting plants outdoors

Hopefully, before you gave your tropical plant a home in your garden you did some research on which plant hardiness zone (USDA zone) you live in and chose a plant that is compatible with the average winter temperatures in your region. If you’re starting out, choose cold-hardy tropical plant varieties that can tolerate lower temperatures. Some tropical plants, like certain palms and cycads, are more resilient to cold than others.

If you’re like me and are open to the challenge of stretching the comfort zone of your outdoor plants, then you’ll need a few plant-warming tricks up your sleeve.

Pre-winter pruning and maintenance

Before the cold weather sets in, assess your tropical plants for any signs of disease, overgrowth, or damaged foliage. Pruning away dead or diseased branches not only improves the plant’s overall health but also reduces the risk of pests finding a winter home in decaying leaves.

Don’t do any extra pruning for outdoor plants as it will stimulate new growth. The last thing you want is tender new growth emerging right at the coldest time of the year. Save your regular pruning until late winter or spring.

Protection from cold

As winter’s cold grip tightens, ensuring your tropical plants are shielded from harsh temperature fluctuations and drafts is paramount. In this section, we’ll explore how to protect your beloved greenery from the challenges of winter.

Use plant covers

Consider using plant covers or cloths on exceptionally cold nights to provide an extra layer of protection. Be sure to remove these covers during the day to allow sunlight and air circulation.

Use frost blankets, burlap, or specially designed plant covers to shield your tropical plants from frost and cold winds. Ensure the covering reaches the ground to trap heat. You can use pretty much anything to cover your plants. I like to use large sheets of bubble wrap as they provide some insulation and still let light in. Tarpaulins and old towels and blankets are fine too.

Grouping plants

Grouping your tropical plants together can create a microclimate of slightly higher humidity and temperature. This can help protect them from cold and provide mutual support.

Mulch heavily

Apply a thick layer of organic mulch around the base of your tropical plants. Mulch helps regulate soil temperature and moisture, protecting plant roots from freezing.

Protect from cold winds

Install windbreaks or barriers to shield your outdoor tropical plants from strong winter winds, which can cause desiccation and damage.

Regularly monitor your tropical plants throughout the winter. Check for signs of frost damage, pests, or diseases, and address issues promptly.

Moving plants indoors or to a greenhouse

Pruning and maintenance

You can prune plants that are coming indoors by up to 1/3, depending on the type of plant. Many plants will naturally drop leaves when they move indoors so pruning saves your cleaning time and creates a more compact sized plant that won’t take up as much of your valuable space.

Repot only if necessary

Only consider repotting your tropical plants if they’ve outgrown their containers. Most plants slow their growth right down over winter and the best time to repot plants is when they are actively growing. It’s better to wait until warmer temperatures arrive in spring before you repot your plants.

Adjust your watering habits

As winter approaches, you’ll need to gradually give your plants less water. Water your plants adequately throughout the fall. Well-hydrated plants are better equipped to withstand cold temperatures. Then reduce watering in late fall to prevent excess moisture around the roots, which can cause root rot.

Be proactive with pest control

Inspect your plants and their pots carefully for any signs of pests or insects. Winter can be an attractive season for indoor pests like spider mites, and mealybugs. Regularly inspect your plants for signs of infestations, such as tiny webs, sticky residue, or distorted leaves.  

If you find signs of pests, treat affected plants promptly with insecticidal soap or a neem oil product, making sure you are following directions for indoor use or move the plant outdoors to apply the treatment. Isolate any affected plants immediately to prevent infestations from spreading.

Quarantine new additions

If you’re adding new tropical plants to your indoor collection, quarantine them for a few weeks to ensure they are pest-free. This prevents potential infestations from spreading to your existing plants. To be extra careful, treat them with an all over spray of horticultural oil or insecticidal soap as a preventative before you start the quarantine.

Make a gradual transition indoors

For tropical plants that have spent the summer outdoors, a gradual transition indoors is a good idea if you have time. Start by moving them to a protected position outdoors for a week or two. Bring them indoors a few weeks before the first frost to allow them to acclimate to indoor conditions.

Reduce fertilization

During winter, tropical plants generally enter a period of slower growth. For most plants you should stop fertilizing over winter and resume again when the growing season begins in the early spring. Only fertilize plants that are actively growing.

Choosing suitable indoor locations

As winter’s cold embrace envelops your region, it’s time to bring your tropical plants indoors where they can find shelter from the harsh elements. However, not all indoor locations are created equal. In this section, we’ll explore how to choose the right spot to ensure your plants thrive during the winter months.

Adequate lighting

Tropical plants, accustomed to abundant natural sunlight in their native habitats, still need a lot of light even when moved indoors. Choose a location near a sunny window with bright sunlight. The best window is one that points towards the equator. That means in the northern hemisphere you would choose a south facing window and in the southern hemisphere a north facing window is best. Failing that, any other bright window or location that gets good light is worth a try.

If natural light is limited, consider supplementing with a grow light to ensure your plants receive the necessary light levels. Wipe dust from leaves with a damp cloth so that they get the full benefit of the bright light around them.

Temperature considerations

Maintaining the right temperature is crucial for your tropical plants’ well-being. Most tropical plants prefer temperatures between 65°F to 75°F (18°C to 24°C), which is likely to be the temperature that you maintain in the living areas of your home.

Inspect your indoor space for cold drafts and seal any gaps around windows and doors. Drafts can rapidly lower the temperature around your plants, causing stress and damage.

Avoid placing plants near cold windows, radiators, or heating vents, as extreme temperature fluctuations can stress the plants. Use thermal curtains or blinds to insulate against chilly windows. If you are going to overwinter your plants in cooler part of your home, such as a garage, consider using a heat lamp or heat mat to help maintain the optimum soil temperature for your plants. These devices provide gentle warmth and can be a lifesaver during severe cold spells.

Humidity control

Tropical plants thrive in high humidity. To recreate their natural environment, use methods like humidity trays, room humidifiers, or humidity domes. This helps prevent issues like leaf drying and browning. Don’t bother misting your plants because it isn’t an effective way to increase humidity.

Spacing plants for ventilation

One of the best ways to maintain humidity is to cluster plants together. However, you need to allow sufficient space between your plants to ensure good air circulation. Despite the cold, proper ventilation is still essential. Ensure that your indoor space has good air circulation to prevent stagnant conditions that can encourage mold and pests, which can spread quickly in indoor environments.

Leaf drop is normal, most of the time

Indoor tropical plants may naturally shed some leaves during the winter as part of their adaptation to lower light levels. However, excessive leaf drop could indicate a problem. Ensure your plants receive enough light and maintain proper care to minimize leaf loss.

Slow growth is normal too

It’s common for tropical plants to experience slower growth during winter due to reduced sunlight. Adjust your expectations and care routine accordingly. Don’t try to stimulate growth with extra fertilizer, as excessive nutrients can harm your plants.

Storing dormant bulbs, rhizomes and tubers

To over-winter bulbs and tubers you can keep them in their pots. Stop watering them in fall, cut their dying foliage back just above soil level and then store them in a cool, dark place. Check the soil every few weeks just to make sure it doesn’t dry out completely. Don’t leave it too moist though, it needs to be on the drier side. When the warmer weather returns your dormant plant will send up new growth

For bulbs that are grown outdoors you can lift them and cut their foliage back. Gently brush the soil away from the bulb and place them in a single layer on a clean surface to dry. Discard any damaged or soft bulbs. Pack them in a basket, cardboard box or open container and separate each layer with some shredded paper or organic packaging material so that their surfaces aren’t in contact with each other. 

Check your bulbs a few times over the course of the winter and discard any that have visible signs of mold, slime, or other damage.

In summary:

• Understanding Tropical Plants: Tropical plants are unique in their requirements, and recognizing their vulnerability during winter is crucial.
• Preparing for Winter: Proactive steps like pruning, repotting, and pest control prepare your plants for the transition.
• Protection from Cold: Shielding plants from cold air and extreme temperatures ensures their comfort.
• Choosing Suitable Indoor Locations: Providing the right amount of light, temperature, and humidity indoors is key to their survival.
• Maintaining Optimal Conditions: Proper watering, humidity control, and vigilant care sustain their health.
• Common Winter Issues: Identifying and addressing issues like pests, diseases, and leaf drop keeps your plants thriving.

Now armed with this knowledge, it’s time to put it into practice. Take pleasure in watching your tropical plants flourish, even in the midst of winter’s chill. Remember, the relationship between a gardener and their plants is one of care, patience, and understanding, and it’s a journey well worth undertaking.

Thank you for embarking on this horticultural adventure with us. Here’s to your tropical plants thriving year-round, and may your indoor oasis remain evergreen in every season.

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