Buying plants in the winter can be a risky endeavor especially when temperatures start to drop. I am by no means an expert when it comes to cold damage but I think it's an important topic to address. Moreover, cold damage can also occur if your plants are too close to cold windows or if you have an unseasonably cold home. Tropical plants naturally require higher temperatures and greater humidity therefore making them more susceptible to freezing temperatures. Excessive cold can rupture plant cells and cause a lot of damage. Furthermore, cold damage does not just apply to tropical plants being exposed to below freezing temperature (32F) but also in the range of 32-50F. Some Hoyas in particular may be fine closer to 50F e.g; H. polyneura while others might start to decline at that same temperature. I think it's important to note that there is a difference between frost and freeze damage. Frost damage is when the plant cells freeze and form ice crystals which rupture the cell walls. Freeze damage on the other hand, occurs during continual temperatures 32F>. Freeze damage can hinder long term plant growth and can be less noticeable right away. Signs and Symptoms of potential cold damage:
Bunn, S. (2021). Hoya carnosa 'Wilbur Graves' with cold damage. Retrieved February 13, 2022, from https://www.facebook.com/groups/3103595163059302/search/?q=cold%20damage. Thigpen, T. (2022). Hoya heuschkeliana variegata with cold damage. Retrieved February 13, 2022, from https://www.facebook.com/groups/3103595163059302/search/?q=cold%20damage. It is still possible to buy plants in the fall and winter that arrive in great condition. To help mitigate cold damage there are steps you can take. First, be mindful of your local weather forecast when buying plants online. Second, if the shop you purchase from offers heat packs or winter insurance definitely get it. Third, purchase from sellers that you know will take great care in packaging your plant so that it does get to you in good condition. Lastly, if you are still worried about cold damage either hold off on buying plants online or request the seller to hold the plant for you for a short period of time when possible. References:
Reddick, L. (n.d.). Identification and Prevention of Frost or Freeze Damage. Retrieved February 13, 2022, from https://cals.arizona.edu/mohave/master_gardeners/kingman/articles/frostorfreeze.pdf
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