Cold weather,even if it doesn't drop below freezing, can harm cold-sensitive plants.
Freezes are rare, butfrosts can occur at above-freezing temperatures.
Even temperatures at 45 degrees formore than several hours can harm some tropical orchids.
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Here are a few plant protection tips:
- Heavily water plants before the cold arrives. Water in the soil helpsinsulate vegetation.
- Cover plants that are the most cold-sensitive if they can't be moved indoors.
- Check plants that are to be moved indoors. They may harbor insects.
Protecting cold-sensitive plants takes planning ahead. Sheets ofplastic or blankets are needed for cover.When temperatures are at near freezing, anold-fashioned light bulb can provide heat.
If plants are harmed, resist pruning the damaged area. Wait for several weeks so the plants can stabilize.
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