Underfloor heating is becoming more and more popular as a convenient way to evenly heat rooms. But what about plants? If you have a heated floor and are also a lover of greenery, you are probably wondering whether the intense heat will damage your potted plants. It turns out that it is possible to combine the comfort of heating with the care of greenery, but it requires the right measures. Find out how to properly care for plants when using underfloor heating.
If you use underfloor heating, systematically monitor the condition of the roots of the plants, because the heat promotes their intensive growth. When you notice that the roots are starting to fill the pot, it is a good idea to transplant the plant into a larger container so that it has enough space for further growth.
Underfloor heating – benefits and risks for plants
Floor heating is a system that ensures even distribution of heat in the room, thus eliminating the problem of cold feet. However, for potted plants, this can mean problems in maintaining adequate soil moisture and temperature.
- The heat coming from the floor warms the soil from below, which leads to faster evaporation of moisture.
- As a result, plants may require more frequent watering.
This can be problematic especially for those species that prefer a moist environment.
Not all plants respond to heat in the same way.
- Tropical plants such as monsteras, alocasias and philodendrons tolerate higher temperatures better, but still need adequate hydration.
On the contrary, cacti and succulents find their place in dry conditions, which makes them more resistant to underfloor heating.
- On the contrary, plants that prefer a cooler and more humid environment, such as ferns or orchids, require special care.
Their roots can get “burnt” from the hot floor and then begin to die. That is why the correct placement and selection of flower pots and materials that help maintain a healthy microclimate are so important.
How to take care of potted plants with underfloor heating?
At the same time, you can enjoy the comfort of underfloor heating and the good condition of plants in pots.
- The best solution will be to adapt the conditions to the specific requirements of the plants.
- placement of plants – more delicate species should be placed on furniture or shelves to avoid direct heat exposure to the roots. The plants will thus have better conditions for growth;
- plate insulation – the use of plates made of insulating materials such as wood or cork will protect the roots from excessive heat. Well-chosen plates will not only protect plants from heat, but also improve drainage;
- choosing the right flower pots – plastic flowerpots retain moisture better than clay ones. Their selection will prevent the soil from drying out;
- regular watering – underfloor heating increases the rate of evaporation, which means that plants may need to be watered more often, especially in winter.
In addition, it would be a good idea to use a hygrometer or regularly check the soil moisture with your finger.
- The winter months can be particularly dry, so it’s worth investing in a humidifier or spraying your plants’ leaves regularly.
Plants that like moist environments, such as ferns, will certainly benefit from this.
Which plants tolerate underfloor heating best?
Plants that tolerate dry environments and can accumulate water are best adapted to conditions with underfloor heating.
- Examples of such plants are cacti and succulents, as well as sansevieria, which is valued for its resistance and ability to survive in harsh conditions.
- Peperomia is a plant with fleshy leaves that thrives in a dry microclimate, just like zamioculas.
These species are ideal for homes with underfloor heating as their roots are less susceptible to heat damage.
Buy them at the stand and cover them with water. The plants will also grow in autumn