Have you ever left a plant outside, forgotten about it, only to find that the cold has taken a toll on it? It happens to everyone sooner or later, and if we are talking about Spathiphyllum, the situation can seem even more serious.
Don’t worry, though. Even if the leaves have turned yellow or the flowers have fallen, with a little patience and the right precautions, you can save your plant. Find out what to do and how to prevent it from happening again!
What happens to the Spathiphyllum if it is in the cold?
Spathiphyllum is one of those plants you love to have at home: elegant, with its shiny green leaves and refined white flowers, and easy to care for. But there is one thing he cannot tolerate: the cold. Being an indoor plant, as soon as temperatures drop below 16°C, it begins to suffer.
If you’ve left your Spathiphyllum outside for a while and the weather hasn’t been kind, you’ve probably noticed these signs:
- Yellowed or brown leaves: the largest and most exposed are the first to change color, starting from the edges.
- Fallen flowers: those wonderful white flowers? They have no escape in the cold.
- Bare and tired appearance: the plant seems “still”, with fewer leaves and a general air of abandonment.
It’s normal to feel discouraged, but now is not the time to give up. Spathiphyllum is more resistant than you think, and with a little care it can recover.
What to do to save your Spathiphyllum
Now that you know what happened, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and help your plant. You don’t need large tools or advanced knowledge: attention and small gestures are enough.
- Bring the plant into warm weather. The first thing to do is move your spathiphyllum indoors. Find a bright place, but avoid direct sunlight. A window with a light curtain or a corner near a French door is perfect. Remember that the transition from cold to hot must be gradual: do not immediately place it next to a radiator!
- Clean the leaves. Observe the leaves: those that are completely brown or dry should be removed. Use clean scissors or shears and cut gently. If a leaf is just a little yellowed, leave it for now – it may recover on its own.
- Give him the moisture he loves. Spathiphyllum is native to tropical areas, so it loves humidity. If the air in your home is too dry (especially with the radiators on), try misting water on the leaves every day or place a saucer with water and pebbles under the vase. This will create a small humid “microclimate” around the plant.
- Don’t stress it with fertilizers. This is when your plant needs to recover, not be stimulated to grow. Avoid using fertilizers for a couple of weeks – just focus on watering and creating a welcoming environment.
How to avoid problems in the future
Now that you understand what happens to Spathiphyllum in the cold, let’s see how to protect it for the future. Prevention is always better than cure, and with a few simple precautions you can avoid unnecessary stress on your plant.
Here’s what to do:
- Keep it indoors during the cold months: Even if it seems fine outside, as soon as the temperatures drop, bring it back inside.
- Choose the right place: indirect light is key. Too much shade slows growth, but direct light can burn the leaves.
- Water it down in moderation: Spathiphyllum loves moist but not soggy soil. Always check the soil before watering.
- Be careful with radiators: too dry air does not get along well with your Spathiphyllum. Use a humidifier or mist water on the leaves regularly.
Ending up with a plant in trouble can be frustrating, but it’s also an opportunity to learn. Spathiphyllum, with its resistance and beauty, reminds you that with a little attention and care everything can shine again.
Have you ever faced a similar situation? How did you save your plant? Share your experience or your tricks in the comments: those who love plants know how useful it is to exchange advice!
Photo © Stock.adobe
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