Question
Oopsie!  I left my sheffelera out in 20* weather for 2-3 nights by mistake.  Since then I brought it in and placed it by a bright window.  The plant was my mother-in-laws, is about 2ft x 2 ft and approx. 20 yrs old.  I watered it (it was dry) and now it is wilted in appearance.  Is it a lost cause?  Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,
Kathy Richardson

Answer
Kathy,

A sheffelera is a tropical plant, it is not happy at temperatures below 50 degrees. If it was out in 20 degree weather for an hour it might survive because the roots might not freeze. In 2-3 days the roots froze and it will not survive. Buy a new one at Lowes or Home Depot and put it in the same pot. In a climate where it gets down to 20 degrees your house plants should not be outdoors past the middle of September. Don't even think about setting tropical plants outdoors from October until April or May. Good luck.

Darlene