Question
I recently moved, and it did not seem to cold outside, I only moved 5 minutes away so I figured my plants would be ok in the box of my truck...wrong... once i got them inside the leaves were all whilted and the next day they were brown and shrivelled...next day brown and dry... a friend told me it is the leaves that are dead not the plant and to cut all the dead leaves off and the plant should come back.. so i did... now i am wondering what else to do... as there are a few more leaves beginning to whilt...(peace lillies, lucky bamboo, spider plants, christmas cactis, money tree, some plant that looks like a clover).
Thanks any help will be great.

cassie

Answer
Hi Cassie,

I am sorry to learn about your cold damaged plants. I know how devastating the cold can be to houseplants that are mostly natives of tropical regions and not adaptable to freezing temps.

Your friend is at least partially correct. It is the leaves and stems that are most exposed to the cold air and suffer the most. The roots are protected somewhat by the insulating effect of the soil. It is possible for all of the leaves and stems to die back while the roots remain okay. In that instance, new growth will eventually emerge.

Keep in mind that some plants are more sensitives to cold than others. In addition, even roots will get damaged if the temps are low enough and the exposure is long enough. There is no way to say just what those temperature and time limits are.

Consequently, you are limited as to what you can do. Obviously, keep your plants warm. Trim off any leaves or stems that are discolored, as they will never regain their healthy color. Allow the soil to dry a bit deeper into the pot in between waterings because ailing plants are more vulnerable to root rot and do not use much water. Likewise, avoid repotting and fertilizing until the plants are fully recovered.

Look for signs of healthy new growth within the next month or two. If there is none, then discard the plant.

BTW, the plant that looks like clover is probably an Oxalis.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

You can E-mail me directly at: [email protected]

Visit my website at  www.HorticulturalHelp.com

If you would like to e-mail me some photos, I may be able to provide some additional insights.