Knowledge from Olle Garden Bed : 10 Signs of Plant Too Cold
This is the season of snowflakes, gloves and jingling bells, but don't forget the plants in the middle. The temperature is falling, and the cold weather has brought a series of new plant care problems. Plants are as vulnerable to extreme weather conditions as humans. Hot summer and cold winter will damage the life of plants, making it difficult for some plants to survive. The following content also has some reference value for raised garden beds.
Extreme temperatures can cause problems for plants. In this blog post, you will find signs that your plant will bring to you when it is too cold, such as yellowing leaves or slow growth. Winter doesn't necessarily mean plants die - start your plant care now!
- Soaked leaves
Soaking leaves are a typical indicator that your plant is too cold. This usually occurs when ice forms in plant cells, causing them to break and look similar to the ice seen after a heavy rain.
- Stem limping
One obvious sign of material cold damage is soft and weak stems. This happens when plant tissues are exposed to low temperatures for a long time. Cold causes cell wall rupture, leading to the loss of water and nutrients. As a result, the stem becomes fragile and lifeless.
- Stem division
Perhaps the most obvious manifestation of chilling injury on trees and shrubs is the splitting of bark or stem due to the expansion of ice crystals. The vital liquid that sustains its life will eventually escape through these splits, which in some cases will lead to death.
- Leaves wither
Although there are many reasons for plant wilt, chilling injury is one of the most common reasons. When exposed to low temperatures, leaves lose water and become lame. In some cases, the damage may be temporary, and once the leaves warm, they will recover. In other cases, however, wilt may be permanent, causing plants to struggle.
The only way to avoid cold damage is to pay close attention to the weather forecast and take measures to protect plants when frost is expected. This may be taking them in, wrapping them in the expected cold weather, or moving them to the garage.
- Discolored leaves
First, the leaves are not always green. Many plants have leaves of different colors depending on the pigments present. For example, chlorophyll gives leaves their signature green color. This important ingredient helps plants convert sunlight into energy through photosynthesis.
However, the color of the leaves also varies according to temperature. If the plant is too cold, the leaves may turn yellow or brown. This is because chlorophyll producing cells are vulnerable to low temperatures.
When cells are destroyed by cold, they can no longer produce chlorophyll, and leaves begin to change color. In severe cases, the leaves may even fall off completely from the plant.
Note that some plants do this when they are dormant in winter. Be sure to study your particular plant to ensure that you provide the right conditions.
- Plants become mushy
When plants are exposed to low temperature for a long time, they will become mushy. This is because the cell wall of a plant breaks, causing it to lose its structure.
Pasty plants are more susceptible to diseases and pests, so it is important to take measures to protect them from the cold. Some methods include covering them with tarpaulins or blankets, or planting them in sheltered areas.
Taking these precautions will help ensure that your plants stay healthy and strong even in cold weather. This is especially common when asparagus is too cold.
- Blackened leaves
The leaves of plants will turn black for various reasons, but the most common one is cold injury. When the temperature is kept low for a long time, plants may suffer cell damage.
Such cell damage is manifested in blackened or discolored leaves. In some cases, the damage may be temporary and the leaves will eventually return to the standard color. However, in other cases, the damage may be irreversible, leading to plant death.
- Brown tips
The tip of a plant leaf may become dry and brown due to cold damage. Plant cell wall is composed of cellulose, which can protect internal cells from external environment.
However, cellulose is also susceptible to cold damage. When exposed to extreme cold, cellulose molecules begin to decompose, leading to the collapse of cell walls. This damage can cause the leaves to become dry and brown at the tip, and in severe cases, it can completely kill the plant.
This occurs in vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower and sweet potatoes.
- Vertical cracks
When the temperature drops, it causes the water in the tree to freeze. This may cause vertical cracks and fractures in the bark, or even damage them if not handled immediately.
- Bubbling
Blistering is one of the reliable signs that plants may be damaged by cold weather. The most common blisters form on leaves, but also on stems, flowers, and fruits.
Vesicles are caused by the expansion of cells in plant tissues. With the sudden drop of temperature, the cell wall cannot expand fast enough to keep up with the contents of the cell, and the cell breaks down. As a result, the blisters are filled with the fluid form on the surface of the plant.
This can easily happen with carrots, artichokes, and lettuce.
Please note
So, how do you know if your plants are too cold? If you notice any of the signs listed, it may be time to move them to a warm environment.
Remember that even if your plants do not show any of these symptoms, it does not mean they are unaffected - so always make the best judgment about their care.