In Florida, cold temperatures are uncommon, but when it drops below 50 degrees, it's important to understand how to keep your plants protected from the cold.

Before freezing temperatures

All in-ground cold sensitive plants must be covered. Frost cloth is the best way to protect your plants, but thin sheets can work as well. The covering should never be touching foliage. You can avoid this by tenting the covering to ensure no contact is made with the plants themselves. The covering should be firmly secured to the ground. Do NOT leave the bottom open or loose - this is worse than leaving the plant uncovered. The cold air will sneak into the covering and get trapped circulating around the plants. Plastic sheeting is NOT recommended.

If using frost blanket it is okay to leave your plants covered until the threat of cold has passed, bed sheets must be removed daily and reset nightly to allow for sunlight to reach the foliage of your plants.

You can also use incandescent Christmas lights wrapped on plants or on the ground underneath your "tent" to help keep them warmer. C7 or C9 incandescent bulbs are best, but even the incandescent mini lights will emit enough heat to help keep things warm. Watering thoroughly hours before temperatures drop can also help. Ensure foliage dries completely before covering.

After freezing temperatures

After the temperature stress we recommend watering with our Busy Bee VitaMix and Root Stimulator, which contain hormones designed to help plants recover from stress of temperature change and transplanting.

Regarding palms, you should begin a treatment with Dithane M-45 fungicide to prevent fungus in the crown, potentially killing the palm.

Dithane M-45 Mix Ratio and Treatment Plan: 2 tablespoons per gallon of water directly into crown of the palm once a week for one month

Pruning is recommended during the last week of March once the threat of frost is gone. When pruning you may cut back plants half way and some to ground level. This will make them flush out new growth and be stronger and fuller. However, if cold weather approaches you MUST follow the covering instructions completely to avoid irrepairable damage.

PLANTS WITH NO LEAVES REQUIRE LITTLE TO NO WATER. OVERWATERING CAUSES MORE DEATH AFTER THE FREEZE THEN THE ACTUAL COLD.

Our friendly staff is here to help with any questions you may have. Stop by the store or give us a call if you need further assistance regarding plant care in cold weather.