===The IS is supposed to be an IF ====Question for those of you who are in colder climates. Do you have a back up plan just in case the heat goes off this winter? I'm beginning to worry about some of my plants because I keep the house at 65. At best it stays there, but I'm sure there are pockets of colder air and also drafts when the doors open. How are you guys planning to help your plants survive the winter? Today, especially it felt cold in the house all day. I think we made it to a whopping 23 degrees for a high.
Nanna
This message was edited Dec 14, 2005 8:42 PM
What do you do in the Winter is the power goes out?
Most of my plants won't take damage unless the house temp goes below 40... Even AVs can probably handle lower temps for a short time. They wouldn't want to live day to day at 45 degrees, but for a few hours (hopefully not days!) if the power is out, I think they'd survive. It takes a while for a house to cool down to those sorts of temps, even if you're starting at 60-65 degrees. If our house temperature got that low during a power failure, we'd move to a hotel -- with the cat, and with as many plants as I can fit into the CR-V! LOL Actually, that's a hypothetical for us, because we have gas heat... and a fireplace!
Tell you what, Nanna... If your heat goes off, bring your violets (and your frozen selves!) up to our house!
Remember several years ago when the ice storms hit. We were without power for 72 hours or more. Even if you have gas heat it take electricity to run the gas furnace. Oh dear!!
Bill always says I have to have something to worry about.
I thought violets totally collapsed if the temp went below 50.
This may be stupid, but can you get a generator and some space heaters? You're a good plant mom--worried about plants and not thinking of yourself!
I do know some people one from Ohio lost a large collection last winter,
I am in Florida low 40's at night / I try to keep stands close to 70 as possible at night but its been around 65 in the morning with heat and lights on/ AV's really do not like it below 60 . Look what happens if you
ship them in 40-50 degree weather ??? Take a few babies . leaves . and few plants in 40 -60 degree weather and see how many good looking in the Spring/ Even drafts from doors and windows are not good'
I would not worry about it whats going to happen will Would you be comfy in a room 0f 40 degrees for 70 hours ? Well either would your
AV's :))
Fortunately, 70 hour power outages are pretty rare here. As I said, if it gets to the point where we are that uncomfy, we will drive somewhere with power & heat -- and we will take the cat and as many plants as possible with us! :-)
I know AVs aren't happy with lower temperature, but I'm still thinking they would survive as long as the outage didn't continue too long..... they may not be happy, and they may take some damage, but I wouldn't just panic the moment the power goes out.
My offer of shelter stands.... we do have a fireplace... and a nice, big woodpile! I'm sure we couldn't keep it 70 in the house with just the fireplace, but I'll bet we could keep it above 50, maybe above 60 depending on the outside temps!
I got wood heat! Hahaaa. And candles. And tea. Who needs anything else? (Other than Violets, of course--)
With our woodstove, we could heat the front living room to 70 degrees, but that would mean 90 degrees in the back. The second floor is above the back, so my plants up there keep within a degree or two of 68 all winter. (a few years ago before the vents were in, my room FROZE! It killed some orchids, and I had a heck of a lot of blankets. )
You are so careful with your violets- no wonder they'all look so well. You spoil those cushy kids, Nanna.
Experience from Allison's box of violets- anything but a real freeze will not actually kill them, and if that happens to the leaves, the plant will shock and eventually die. The other plants were very slow to wake up (a couple weeks) and grow after being so cold. (But once the did, they were perfect!)
Kenton
today is freezing cold. (for DC.) I'm on the 9th floor of a midrise (top floor) and my floor feels cold. Last winter, I hardly turned on the heat (I get warmth from my neighbors) but this winter is quite different.
A few tips re: tropicals at cooler temps. Close off drafts and cold air, keep away from cold glass.
Grow them DRIER as (1) they aren't using as much water because they're not growing and (2) cold and wet spells trouble.
In times needing rather desperate measures, create a mini cold frame (plastic cover/greenhouse) for the plants and get them some sun during the day. Then bundle it up for the night to retain warmth for as long as possible. Bubble wrap works very well, and don't forget to insulate the bottom.
Watch out for metal - trays, window sills etc - they get very cold very fast.
And place your plants so the cooler growers (streps, sinningias and chiritas come to mind) are in the cooler zones.
Every winter I try to place my plants better. I have some orchids that require a cold winter (40s) to bloom, and others that want cool (50s) and dry. Some need bright and cold, while others are ok with low light and cold. The episcias really prefer to by above 65. Some of the orchids come from areas where it doesn't drop below 70F. It's really quite complicated in a small apartment :-( but mostly they manage.
oh, and another thing. There's this product called Pro-Tekt that many orchid growers use to strengthen the plants' ability to handle enviro stress and pest resistance. Can't say if it really works but I use it from time to time during the year (mostly for the orchids to handle lower humidity). Something to consider if your plants routinely deal with conditions outside of what they like. http://www.dyna-gro.com/
I don't know how Allison packed them, but packing material is very good insulation too. If the power goes out, you could pack all your plants... lol.
I'm only half kidding though. When I take 2 week trips in the winter, I leave all the lights off, the thermostat down at 60F (meaning parts of the room will be 50F and below), and pack up some of the plants for the duration (prevents dehydration) in boxes with newspaper. They get no water for 2 weeks. Usually some dieback but only the weakest will die off.
I use thick unsulation and styrofoam cups , 60 heat packs and this was mid-november Holiday shipping already Kenton lives in cold COLrado
and packaged arrive day late . Everything is good now right Kenton ?
Great tips Keyring. We have a generator and two wood burning stoves. I'm sure everything will be ok. Thought it would be a good idea to review a plan.
Thanks everyone!!!
Nanna
I fount this and other good information on Violet Show case.
Air, Temperature and Humidity
Violets like relatively high humidity, but the air must be fresh and kept moving gently. They do not like strong drafts, and especially dislike cold wind blowing on them. If you must take your violets outside even for a few minutes protect them from the cold air during such weather. Violets are tropical plants and should not be taken outdoors uncovered when the temperature is below 60 degrees F. Parked cars are murderous on violets. They quickly become either an oven or a freezer depending upon the day’s weather or sunniness. Don’t leave your violets in a parked car for more than a few minutes no matter what the weather is. Generally violets like temperatures ranging from 65 degrees F. at night to 75 degrees F. during the day, but they will accept temperatures between 55 degrees and 85 degrees. Since most homes do not have as high a humidity level as violets would like the wick watering method of growing is especially good because the plants are growing over water which slowly evaporates up around them providing sufficient humidity.
Though AV's may accept lower or higher tepmpertures , long periods of time may affect the growth and performance of your plants ~
TIPS FOR SUCCESS WITH AFRICAN VIOLETS
http://www.violetshowcase.com/
It's good to know that they can survive at 55.
Thanks V_T