best temperature for indoor plants

Temperature range for keeping indoor plants. Dependence of the optimum temperature on the level of humidity. Signs of a violation of the temperature regime, how to deal with it, and what is the best temperature for indoor plants.

best temperature for indoor plants

Many amateur flower growers rightly believe that for any plant, the optimum temperature will be close to the value in its natural habitat. In fact, indoor maintenance has its own characteristics. A large number of popular houseplants come from the tropics, so one would assume that they require a very warm environment. However, in addition to “warmth”, they equally need a certain level of air humidity and illumination. Namely, according to these parameters, most of the premises do not correspond.

In general, indoor plants need a moderate, relatively constant air temperature during growth and cooler during dormancy.

best temperature for indoor plants

The maximum air temperature for indoor plants is + 28°C, and even then, subject to very high air humidity (about 60-70%). At normal humidity, the temperature maximum is even lower – + 23°C.

The minimum comfort temperature for most indoor plants is + 16°C.  Aglaonema, Akalifa, Anthurium, Dizigoteka, Dieffenbachia,  Caladium, Calathea, Codiaum, Saintpaulia, Syngonium and Cissus feel good in this range .

At the same time, low temperatures can regulate the development cycle of many domestic plants. For example, Chrysanthemums bloom longer if the average daily temperature is only + 10 ° C. For forcing a number of bulbous plants such as Daffodils or  Hyacinths, their bulbs are kept at a temperature of about + 5 ° C.

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optimum temperature range for plant growth

Many flowering flower beds, which are sometimes grown at home, as well as some decorative foliage, tolerate a drop in air temperature to + 10-13 ° С. Under such conditions, representatives of the Bromeliad family, orchids, palms and ferns can grow.

There is also a group of hardy plants that can withstand even slight frosts in natural conditions. When grown indoors, the minimum air temperature for them can be + 5–8 ° С. These are Aspidistra, Gelksina, Grevillea, Clivia, Koufea, Laurel, Pelargonium, Ivy,  Tradescantia, Fatsia, Chlorophytum, Yucca, as well as most succulents.

what temperature should i bring my plants inside

For normal growth, most plants require daily fluctuations in air temperature of 2–3 ° С. At night, respiration processes take place, while the plant consumes the energy compounds accumulated during the day. If the temperature is equal to the daytime, then the flow rate increases and the plant is depleted. In turn, a drop in daily temperature of more than 6 ° C is dangerous for almost all plants, except for cacti and other succulents, which are adapted to such fluctuations in the conditions of deserts and steppes, as well as some types of orchids. If the plant is taken out into the open air for the summer, it is necessary to wait until the air temperature at night is stable above + 15 ° C. It is worth bringing the pot back into the house before the night temperature drops below this mark.

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How do plants change with the seasons?

Plants in indoor conditions, as well as in nature, need a change of seasons throughout the year. In the summer, they actively grow green mass or bloom. In winter, domestic representatives of the flora rest, suspend growth. At this time, it is necessary to reduce watering, stop applying fertilizers, it is advisable to ensure the air temperature during the day is about + 13–16 ° С, at night + 8–10 ° С. The exception is plants native to the tropical belt of the Earth, which need warm and humid conditions all year round.

how do plants change with the seasons

How would changes in temperature affect plants?

The following signs indicate a violation of the temperature regime. If the air temperature is too low, the leaves can curl up, darken and fall off. If the temperature is too high, the flowers and lower leaves wither, the edges of the remaining leaves darken. If the nighttime temperature is not lower than the daytime, then the leaves may become smaller, and the stems may stretch out. With too sharp daily changes, the leaves turn yellow and fall off.

What is the ideal temperature for house plants?

There are several ways to regulate the temperature. Plants that stand on windowsills especially need protection. They are, as it were, between two “fires”: from the side of the window there is often a stream of cold air, and from below – from the heating radiator – a drying stream of hot air. It is recommended to insulate the windows for the winter, if necessary, to seal the cracks. In especially frosty months, you can place a sheet of insulating material, such as plywood, between the pot and the bottom of the window, while being careful not to shade the plant.

In rooms with a temperature of more than + 25 ° C, with pronounced dry air (the skin on the hands is dry, the nose is stuffed up in the morning), it is recommended to wrap at least some of the batteries with insulation. The light and affordable material Anafol is best suited for these purposes. Its porous structure with a reflective metal surface blocks the infrared radiation of the batteries and protects the plants from drying out.

Airing gently is another way to lower the temperature. The pot with the plant should not stand in the path of air currents. In summer, in extreme heat, you can cover the window glass with paper or a translucent curtain.

The ambient temperature is an important condition for the health of domestic plants. It usually correlates with the length of daylight hours and the intensity of solar radiation. By following these tips and tricks, as well as carefully observing the reaction of plants to any changes in ambient temperature and other factors, you can achieve their lush growth, healthy appearance and long flowering.

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Tips for best temperature for indoor plants

  1. The less light in the room, the lower the ambient temperature should be (within the permissible range).
  2. It is important to ensure that the leaves of the plants do not come into contact with the window glass. In addition to hypothermia, this can cause sunburn.
  3. In the same room, it is better to leave plants with similar growing conditions, temperature and humidity requirements. More light-loving can be placed closer to the window, shade-tolerant in the back of the room.

I am an avid plant enthusiast and horticulture aficionado with a deep passion for houseplants. With years of nurturing green companions, my expertise in caring for indoor foliage is well-rooted. Through my journey, I've cultivated insights into optimal plant care, propagation techniques, and creating vibrant indoor ecosystems. Join me as we explore the verdant world of houseplants together. Let's turn your living space into a thriving oasis of botanical beauty. Connect with me on admin@houseplantspro.com and Facebook and explore more at Houseplantspro. 🌿🪴

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