Temperature for plants

The thermometer is a very important tool for proper plant care. If open flora plants exist for each natural soil-climatic zone, there are special floricultural calendars, then for room flowers, do not forget to look at the thermometer. And do not just glance: do not be too lazy to use it to create a thermal map of the room, which will help to properly place plants for both the time of natural summer heating, and for the winter period.

When we considered the climatic features of natural habitats of houseplants, we involuntarily touched on this issue, touching on both the temperature, in general and in general, and the peculiarities of its differences( temperature regime).

Basic rules

In most cases, the winter temperature of living quarters is 16-18 ° C.This fits many tropical and subtropical deciduous species. But conifers and some deciduous subtropical plants need a lower temperature( 10 - 12 ° C and below).

The distribution of heat in the premises is not the same: closer to the sources of heat it will be more, and on the windows at 4 -5 ° C less, so this can be made an amendment. The thermal regime of the rooms also depends on the power of the heating sources, on the constant heat radiation from the heating appliances and on the contact of the walls with the living quarters or with the outside air.

Smooth room temperature contributes to better growth, and its sharp fluctuations worsen growth.

Most indoor plants to room temperature generally adapted, but the question of the temperature regime remains open for them. What is optimal for us is not always desirable for plants: in the winter we try to insulate the apartments so that it will not be colder than in the summer, and the coldest periods in the room without using special tricks are the time intervals between cooling / warming in the street and on / offcentralized steam heating, that is, in the autumn and spring, whereas for the natural seasonal cycles of almost all plants, the spring cold is something alien, and the winter conditions are too warm.

What is the period of rest for a plant - this is the cornerstone of choosing the right temperature regime.

For tropical( mostly) plants, the rest period is weak, many calmly blossom in winter. Hence it follows that both in winter and summer they can grow at almost the same temperature, it is enough to try to avoid too sharp autumn and spring cold. The optimum temperature for them during the cold season is about 22 ° C.If the apartment is cold, you should take care of the heating to the specified temperatures.

For most deciduous subtropical species with a pronounced but shallow rest period, not dropping leaves, but only slowing down growth, it is enough to transfer the pots to colder windows( if there are no special contraindications).Their winter optimum is from 12 to 16 ° C, higher temperatures are undesirable, lower( 5 -6 ° C) for most tolerant.

The situation is most complicated for plants with a pronounced and deep dormancy period( separate subtropical and desert species, most bulbous and tuberous plants) - they need to provide a cold winter. Bulbs and tubers during storage need darkness and coolness. Plants "hibernating" should not be fed, irrigation is reduced to a minimum - only to a level that prevents the drying of the earthy coma.

Very specific requirements for different types of ferns and cacti.

In addition to seasonal fluctuations, essential for normal growth and development of plants and diurnal temperature changes. It should be at least 3-5 ° C for all species, especially in winter, less natural conditions.

Cold-loving species should be insulated with film from room heat, heat-loving species - from window cold.

In many latitudes, summer temperatures can be too high for plants. To avoid heat stress, arrange between the flower pots vessels with water.

At different periods of plant life, the need for heat is also not the same.

For the maintenance of adult specimens, the temperature may be lower than for young plants grown from seeds and cuttings. Transplanted, transplanted and newly planted plants also need higher temperatures;The thermal effect for many is used in forcing. Sometimes a change in temperature is useful for certain diseases.