Do you live somewhere where the cold is harsh, and you are wondering if monstera can handle these conditions? If yes, then let us help you with this.
Monstera can’tcan’t handle cold if the temperature gets below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. This plant grows best in tropical climates and does not do well in cold temperatures or low light conditions.
In this article, we’llwe’ll answer all your questions regarding how monstera reacts to cold temperatures.
Let’sLet’s get started!
Can Monstera Handle the Cold?
Monstera can’t grow in cold conditions because it’s a tropical plant meant to grow in warm climates.
Most tropical plants don’t like cold weather. They are susceptible to temperature changes, so they must be kept in a bright and warm location to thrive. If you live somewhere where the temperature drops significantly, try moving your monstera inside during the cold days.
Tropical plants, and monsteras specifically, will have a more difficult time when the temperature drops below 55°F (13°C) because their metabolism slows down. Additionally, cold temperatures can also result in plant death.
Cold temperatures can cause leaf drop and root damage to monstera. In fact, freezing temperatures damage the roots by preventing them from getting water and oxygen. This also causes the leaves to turn yellow and droop as they stop getting water and nutrients.
Freezing temperatures can also cause damage to plant tissue by cracking and breaking cell walls.
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How to Keep Monstera Alive When the Temperature Gets Too Cold?
If the temperature gets freezing, you should bring your monstera indoors and use a heating pad to keep it warm.
A heating pad is helpful during the winter months. The pad provides warmth to your plant consistently.
To use the heating pad correctly, place it on the floor under the pot and use a low setting. This way, you will make sure that the device will keep your plant warm without causing any damage to the leaves or the roots.
If you live in an icy part of the country, try using a thermostatically controlled heating pad. This device will turn off if the temperature falls below a specific value. For example, if you set it to 78 degrees, it will turn on automatically when the temperature is below this level.
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If you are bringing your plant back indoors, you should bring monstera indoors as the temperature gradually gets cold in the new environment. This will help the plant adapt to the indoor environment without causing any damage.
If the environment changes abruptly, your plant will have difficulty adjusting and may show symptoms of shock.
All you have to do to acclimate your monstera when bringing it indoors is to maintain the same temperature, humidity, and light level as it was outdoors.
In addition to keeping the temperature stable using a heating pad, you can use a humidifier to keep the humidity high and grow lights to substitute sunlight.
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How Cold Is Too Cold for Monstera?
The lowest temperature that monstera can handle is 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Below this temperature, the plant will start to wilt, and below 20 degrees, it will die.
At extremely low temperatures, ice crystals form on the plant’s leaves. Ice crystals prevent the plant from absorbing water and cause the plant to wilt.
Freezing also affects the roots. In fact, the roots have a natural ability to absorb water. As the plant starts freezing, the roots stop absorbing the necessary amount of water they need from the plant. This causes the stems and leaves to stiffen up.
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Low temperatures can kill you entirely if you don’t react at the right time. Whenever you realize that the temperature around this plant is below 50°F, you should move it immediately to a warm location and keep monitoring it.
If your plant has reached the stage of freezing, then don’t worry because there are some chances you can save it. Let’s check how you can do this!
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What to Do If Monstera Freezes?
If your monstera freezes, you should take it immediately to a warm area and expose it to bright indirect light for a few days. After your plant starts giving signs of recovery, you should cut off any dead leaves and provide the plant with enough water, then let it dry and keep an eye on it.
The damage caused by freezing conditions may reach the roots also. If the leaves of your monstera are still brown and dropping, then you should check the roots.
To check your monstera’s roots, start by gently getting the plant out of the pot, then loosen the roots using your fingers. If the whole rootball is damaged, then there is nothing that you can do to save the plant.
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However, you can save your monstera if there are still some healthy roots. In this case, clean the rootball using water and remove any unhealthy roots using a sharp gardening scissor. Then let the plant dry in a sunny spot and prepare a new potting mix.
Finally, plant your monstera in the new potting mix, give it enough water and keep an eye on it. The plant at this stage is highly vulnerable to any lack of care or Environnement change. So, keep an eye on it.
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How Long Can a Monstera Be in the Cold?
Monstera can handle the cold for 12 to 24 hours. After this, the plant’s enzyme activity will start decreasing slowly. This will disturb the plant’s natural process of transforming minerals and water into food.
The enzymes in the plant’s cells play a crucial role in their growth and development. The lower the temperature, the slower the enzymes react and the slower the plant grows. As temperatures drop, plants may begin to look tired and weak. If temperatures are too low, your plants may even stop growing altogether.
Additionally, enzymes play a significant role in breaking down organic matter and digesting cellulose or proteins.
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