Low temperatures and frost damage
CLASSIFICATION
Abiotic
ABOUT
Very cold temperatures can cause damage to plant tissue by rupturing plant cells. Some plants (e.g. tropical) are more susceptible to low temperatures and drought - this can pose a problem for indoor plants which are originally used to tropical environments.
How to treat?
- Biological
For indoor plants: remove the plant from the draft (put it away from the windows and corridors).
For serious frost damage: wait a few months to see how extensive the damage is, then remove the dead parts.
- Disease prevention
Learn about the temperature requirements of the plant and use plant hardiness zone maps to select plants for particular locations.
Water the plants properly, especially during summer and winter.
Cover the plants during cold weather, if possible (e.g. with sheets, towels, or cardboard).