Unlike us humans, common houseplants can’t be comforted by a pair of socks and hot cocoa once the winter season enters the year. So you’ll have to wonder, how do plants adapt to such a chilly environment?
Philodendrons are one of the most beloved low-maintenance plants. After all, they are flexible and can grow even under low light. Does that mean that they survive the cold winter more than other plants?
Before we proceed to know if Philodendrons are cold hardy, let’s first explore what kind of plant they are.
What Are Philodendrons?
Philodendrons are tropical plants that usually thrive without direct exposure to sunlight. They can be climbing vines, stem bushes, or trees from the family of Araceae.
As of now, sources agree that there are over 450 species of Philodendron recognized. They’re known for their big leaves, which are sometimes heart-shaped and often mounded.
Philodendrons are popular houseplants since they don’t need much natural light. These varieties can easily live on the fluorescent inside the house.
How Cold Hardy is a Philodendron?
A plant’s cold hardiness refers to how much it can tolerate places with low temperatures.
Since Philodendrons are flexible with their environment, they can be considered cold-hardy plants. However, there’s a limit to their cold-hardiness as they’re still considered tropical plants.
Philodendrons’ tolerance against cold weather depends on the variety that you have. The ideal range of daytime temperatures for Philodendrons, whether it is indoor or out, is 65-70°F and 75-85°F for night temperatures.
What Happens to Philodendrons in Winter?
Just as bears hibernate when winter comes, Philodendrons enter a state of dormancy to be cold-hardy.
You might think that this is worrying for a fast-growing plant like Philodendron, but this is natural and temporary. A plant being dormant means that it has suspended its growth in order to cope with the cold season.
This lack of growth doesn’t mean that it’s okay to let your plant be. Philodendrons in a cold temperature could still be at risk because winter winds and frost are far from their natural environment.
Will Frost Kill Philodendrons?
There’s only so much that Philodendrons can tolerate. When they’re exposed to frost, they may suffer irredeemable damage to the point of death.
You’ll notice signs such as leaves curling as well as dark and brown discolorations. Once this happens, expect the leaves to fall off next.
These signs mean that you’ve introduced the Philodendron to a temperature that is fatal to them. In order to prevent frost from killing your plant, it’s important to place it away from where frost can fall and pile up.
Where to Place Philodendron During Winter
During spring, summer, or fall, no one will be able to stop you from placing your Philodendron plant outdoors. However, during the winter seasons, it’s recommended you keep the plant alive by placing it indoors.
Keep these tips in mind when finding a new home for your Philodendron:
- Place it in an area with bright yet indirect light
- Put it somewhere with proper ventilation
- Don’t leave it near a window you might open
- Avoid AC or heater drafts
Remember that warmth is essential to the Philodendron during times like this, but not too much of it. At most, make sure that your house is always at medium temperature, and the Philodendron will be able to adapt to it.
How to Care for Philodendron During Winter
Once winter enters the scene, it’s crucial to know how taking care of your Philodendron will differ.
Watering
When Philodendrons are in a dormant state, they won’t depend on water for their usual growth. This doesn’t mean that they stop needing water during wintertime.
As the weather gets cooler, you may change your water schedule and limit the watering frequency. Sprinkle your plants with room-temperature water and always make sure that the top bed of the soil is dry before doing so.
Fertilizing
Cutting down on fertilizers during wintertime is what any plant needs. Philodendrons aren’t the only ones dormant that season, after all.
Though they have paused their growth, it’s still good to fertilize Philodendrons in small doses every once in a while so that they may continue to maintain enough nutrients in their roots. Keep in mind not to over-fertilize.
Lighting
The winter season tends to lessen the natural light a plant may receive. For a Philodendron, this lack may cause it to grow leggy.
This is why you may consider supplementing your plant with artificial light or LED grow lights.
Final Thoughts
Philodendrons are cold-hardy but only to a certain point. Though some can survive areas with low temperatures, they still require a medium amount of sunlight and humidity. Too much of both will damage their growth.
This is why in uncontrollable circumstances, like the winter months, Philodendrons will really be needing your care to avoid being damaged by low temperatures and continue thriving once spring arrives.
Growing up with a mom who filled her home (inside and out) with all sorts of plants, Lisa got her start in gardening at a young age. Living now on her own with a home and yard full of plants (including an indoor greenhouse), she shares all the gardening tips she’s gained over the years.