When a cold front rolls in, most of us instinctively reach for the blankets and hot drinks. But while you’re keeping yourself warm, your houseplants may quietly start to suffer. Even indoor plants can feel the chill, especially those that thrive in consistently warm, stable conditions.
From drooping leaves to root shock, the damage caused by temperature swings can be hard to reverse. But with a little extra care and attention, you can help your favourite plants sail through the colder days with ease.
Why houseplants struggle during cold snaps
Most common houseplants originate from tropical or subtropical regions. That means they’re used to warmth, humidity, and indirect light – not icy windowsills, dry heaters and cold draughts. Even a brief drop in temperature can cause stress, which often shows up as wilting, yellowing leaves or stunted growth.
During a cold front, you need to do two things: stabilise the environment and adjust your care routine.
The basics: keep them warm, but not scorched
First things first, you’ll want to move all your plants away from windows and doors where cold air can seep in, especially at night. The cold drafts are the biggest culprits of plant stress.
On the other hand, though, don’t have them too close to your heaters or air conditioners. While we might enjoy the warm air, your plants will feel the heat a tad too much and their foliage will dry out – another leading cause of stress.
What they would appreciate, however, is being wrapped up. You can insulate their pots by placing them in baskets or wrapping them up in blankets or light fabric. Or you can simply lift them off the floor. Temperature changes from below can be just as damaging as cold air from above.
Cold weather care for your houseplants (the most common)
Peace lily
Peace lilies are particularly sensitive to cold draughts and sudden changes in temperature. If the leaves start to curl or droop, check for a nearby window or chilly corner.
What to do:
- Keep peace lilies in a room that stays consistently above 15°C.
- Reduce watering slightly during cold snaps, allowing the top few centimetres of soil to dry out before watering again.
- Wipe down leaves with a damp cloth to keep them clean and help with photosynthesis, especially when sunlight is limited.
Snake plant
The snake plant (also called mother-in-law’s tongue) is hardy, but it hates soggy soil and freezing temperatures.
What to do:
- Water sparingly. Overwatering in cold weather can quickly lead to root rot.
- Keep it in a bright, warm spot out of direct draughts.
- Use a well-draining pot and avoid placing it directly on cold tiles or concrete.
Fiddle-leaf fig
These popular plants can be fussy even in ideal conditions, and temperature drops often trigger dramatic leaf loss.
What to do:
- Keep it away from cold windows and doorways. Even one night of exposure to a draught can cause a shock response.
- Don’t repot or prune during a cold front, as this adds extra stress.
- If light levels are lower than usual, clean the leaves to maximise photosynthesis and avoid moving the plant too often.
Aloe vera
Aloe is a succulent, so it holds water in its leaves and doesn’t tolerate cold or damp conditions.
What to do:
- Only water when the soil is completely dry. In cold weather, this may be once every few weeks.
- Keep it in the warmest room of the house, ideally in a sunny spot.
- Avoid letting it touch cold glass or windowsills, as this can cause frost damage to the leaves.
Pothos
Pothos plants are usually low-maintenance, but cold air can slow their growth and cause the leaves to yellow.
What to do:
- Maintain a stable indoor temperature and rotate the pot every few days so all sides get some light.
- Water less frequently in winter, but don’t let the soil dry out completely.
- Watch for signs of stress like limp stems or faded colour, and move the plant to a brighter spot if needed.
General tips for winter houseplant care
- Hold off on fertilising: Plants grow more slowly in cold weather and don’t need extra nutrients until Spring.
- Check humidity levels: Cold air is often dry, which can lead to crispy leaves. Grouping plants together or using a bowl of water nearby can gently boost humidity.
- Inspect regularly: Keep an eye out for pests, which often become more active when plants are stressed.
A little preparation goes a long way when it comes to winter plant care. With small adjustments to placement, watering and environment, your indoor garden can stay healthy, green and thriving, even through the coldest spells.
If you’re not sure whether your plant is struggling from the cold or something else, always check the roots, soil moisture and position first. Most problems can be fixed with a few thoughtful changes – and your plants will thank you when warmer weather returns.
Compiled by: Jade McGee
First published on Woman & Home
Also see: Plants that help with stress and anxiety
