Many people tend to use heating during winter, especially in high latitude regions. Although it may make people feel comfortable, indoor plants may not necessarily like it, as the high temperature and dry environment can cause some plants to wither or even die.
According to the UK’s Daily Express, as the temperature drops and heating is turned on, indoor plants struggle to survive due to dry air and temperature fluctuations. Placing them near radiators or on windowsills can exacerbate the situation.
While a warm room is cozy for humans, it is not ideal for tropical plants that prefer humidity. If these plants are not properly cared for in such an environment, they may perish.
Keira Kay, a plant expert from the UK plant and flower retailer Bloom & Wild, said, “Many indoor plants come from tropical regions, and people often mistakenly believe that providing heating can help them through the cold months. However, the additional heat you introduce may harm your precious greenery, and in some cases, even be fatal.”
The main culprit is inadequate humidity. Radiators, fireplaces, and underfloor heating systems can dry out the air, causing plants to become parched.
The expert explained, “For users with underfloor heating, continuous warmth can cause the plant roots to overheat and stress, while the sudden temperature drop when the heating is turned off can shock the plants.”
Plants that are most susceptible to these conditions include those that prefer humidity, such as ferns, peace lilies, and calatheas. Plants like succulents and money trees, which are more cold-tolerant, are less prone to drying out. Kay said, “A simple way to judge is the thinner and softer the leaves, the more prone to drying out they are.”
To prevent indoor plants from drying out, keep them away from radiators, fireplaces, or underfloor heating. You can place them on shelves, side tables, or hanging pots to avoid direct contact with warm air.
Kay suggested, “Grouping plants together helps them share moisture and create a natural microclimate. Placing a small bowl of water near the plants can slightly increase humidity. Regularly misting with water or using a small humidifier can also help.”
If you notice yellowing tips or leaf fall on your plants, do not panic, as this situation may be reversible. Trim off damaged parts, keep plants away from heat sources, and move them to a more stable and humid location. Spraying with a fine mist of water once or twice a week can also help revitalize the plants.
According to The Spruce, Tammy Sons, the founder and CEO of US horticulture company TN Nursery, noted that plants require moderate heat, and excessive temperatures can lead to dehydration, something many gardening enthusiasts may not anticipate.
Horticulture expert Valeria Nyman said that electric heaters act like desert winds, lowering indoor humidity to around 10%, while the ideal humidity range for most indoor plants is between 50% and 60%.
She said, “They emit a lot of heat but often strip away moisture, causing sudden mini droughts.”
Sons stated that this dry environment can cause problems for plants, such as brittle leaves, browning, and more significant issues like stunted growth or even death.
If your plants struggle in poorly ventilated rooms during winter, unable to maintain temperatures between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit (15.6 to 23.9 degrees Celsius), consider adding additional heating measures.
Sons recommended using alternative solutions to electric heaters or radiators, such as root heating pads and enhanced insulation materials. These solutions can provide steady, gentle heat instead of sudden artificial heat.
Sons said, “Plants grow best under stable conditions, as sudden artificial heat can disrupt their natural growth patterns.”