Will jade plants freeze? Yes! If you put it outdoors with a temperature below 50 degrees F for several hours.
Jade plants, also known as Crassula ovata, are succulent plants that belong to the family Crassulaceae. One interesting fact about this plant is that they are known to be effective in removing indoor air pollutants, such as benzene and formaldehyde.
Read on and learn how to protect it from freezing. In return, it will filter and protect you from harmful indoor air pollutants.
What Are Jade Plants?
Jade plants are popular fleshy houseplants characterized by thick, oval-shaped leaves and small pink or white flowers. These plants are sensitive to freezing temperatures.
They may suffer damage, or even death, if exposed to cold for too long. Knowing how to protect your plants from freezing conditions is essential to keep them healthy and thriving.
The Lowest Temperature Can Jade Plants Tolerate
Jade plants are not frost-tolerant, as they are native to warm climates. They should not be exposed to temperatures below 50 degrees F for an extended period.
These plants can only tolerate brief periods of cold temperatures as low as 28-30 degrees F.
If you live in an area with cold winters, it’s best to protect your jade plant from frost by bringing it indoors, providing it with adequate protection, or covering it with frost blankets.
Will Frost Kill a Jade Plant?
Yes, frost can kill the jade plant. As they are not adapted to tolerate cold temperatures, letting them exposed may result in extreme damage to the stems, leaves, or even the roots.
Death of your jade plant may not be inevitable if not corrected immediately.
How to Handle a Frozen Jade Plant
If your jade plant has been exposed to freezing temperatures or frost, it may be damaged or even appear to be frozen. Here are some steps you can take to handle a frozen jade plant and help it recover.
1 – Assess the Damage
First, evaluate the extent of the damage. If the plant turned brown or black, appears to be mushy, or is brittle to the touch, it may have suffered serious damage.
Second, remove the plant from its container and look for the roots to know if they’re still healthy. Healthy roots should be firm, white, or light brown, and have a distinct shape.
In this case, it can be repotted and transferred to a fresh potting mix and container. In addition, make sure that the new pot has a good drainage hole.
It is also important that the soil mix used is designed for cacti and succulents.
To check if roots are damaged, if it has a foul odor then they may be rotten, and the plant may be beyond repair.
2 – Move the Plant to a Warmer Location
If the damage isn’t so severe, move the plant to a warmer location with more light, and avoid exposure to direct sunlight.
3 – Wait for Thawing
Seeing that the plant is completely frozen, wait for it to thaw naturally, and avoid trying to force the process. Forcing it to thaw can cause further damage to the plant.
4 – Trim Dead Parts
Once the plant has thawed, trim any dead or damaged parts with a sterilized pair of scissors or pruning shears. This will help the plant to recover more quickly.
5 – Provide Proper Care
After pruning, give the jade plant proper care, including regular watering, well-draining soil, and a balanced fertilizer. It’s best to avoid overwatering the plant or exposing it to extreme temperature changes to help it recover fully.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, if you have a jade plant, it’s essential to take proper care of it to keep it healthy and thriving. This includes protecting it from freezing temperatures and frost, which can cause irreparable or serious damage.
However, if your jade plant has already been exposed to freezing temperatures, there are steps you can take to help it recover. By assessing the damage, moving the plant to a warmer location, waiting for thawing, trimming dead parts, and providing proper care,
With these actions, you can give your jade plant the best chance of recovery. Remember to be patient, as it may take some time for the plant to recover fully.
With proper care and attention, your jade plant can bounce back from even the most severe damage and continue to bring beauty and filter your air from harmful air pollutants.
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.