Florida is being hit with January weather just like the rest of the country. While the temperatures are not dropping to the frigid temperatures of the north, the weather has been dropping in the low 40s even 30s in the evening and into the night. Our tropical flora is taking the brunt of this cold weather and its time to protect your plants this winter with a few easy tips. Living in this tropical climate is heaven on earth for our bright and colorful plants and like most of us, they want to be warm and in the sun.

If you are planning to bring some new color to your home, you may want to consider strategic placement to better plan for those winter winds. To protect your plants you will want to look for areas around your property that will block cold winds; areas like slopes, tree canopies, or south and west walls of buildings are perfect for new coming plants. Even these seemingly small steps
can make all the difference to your plants during the cold nights.

Concerned for your already potted plants? Not to worry, many measures can be taken to ensure that your plants are protected during the night. When temperatures reach the mid-30s, it is at the highest risk for your plants. Particularly in potted plants, the roots are most endangered of being frozen. To protect your plants your first step is to be sure that they are well watered. The
moisture in the soil absorbs more heat during the heat, protecting the plant during the night.

Another easy tip is to pull your frost protection blankets out during the afternoon. While the sun is still out it allows the heat to build up inside the blanket, which will also keep your plants warm during the night. For extra cold nights, it may be useful to use two layers of blankets instead of just one. Cover your plant with the usual cloth but add a layer of plastic over that; this will be more likely to keep the heat in for your plant. Always remember to uncover your plants the next morning to avoid overheating.

Follow these tips and your plants will survive the cold weather and make it out just in time for summer!