Question
i was in the process of installing new floors and had to move my large plants. i put them outside, unfortunatly i forgot them over night and it dropped downt to -2 over night. now all the leaves are limp or just drying right out. is there any way to salvage them? i loved these plants one i have had for 12 years. i am not sure what they are, i dont know how to add pic's on here but can provide them if it helps... thank you very much.  

Answer
Hi Laurie,

Is that -2F. or -2C.? Both are below freezing and sufficient to cause cold damage. However, -2F is so cold that I cannot imagine any houseplant surviving that much cold.

A light freeze may damage the exposed leaves and stems, but the roots that are insulated by the soil might survive. In that case, the plants will look terrible after you trim off all of the damaged leaves and stems, but the roots will slowly put up new growth that should be OK.

Any damaged leaves will not recover, so cut them off. Keep the soil drier than usual because the damaged plants no longer have as many leaves to support so will use less water. Other than that and keeping the plants warm, there is nothing else you can do.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions. If you would like to e-mail me some photos to my address below, I may be able to provide some additional insights.

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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

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