If your foil greenhouse is converted into overwintering potted plants, the different varieties must be selected very carefully. Not everyone can tolerate the freezing temperatures in an unheated cold house and many representatives of the exotic species are afraid of light during their rest period.
What temperatures do potted plants need to overwinter in a foil greenhouse?
In order to successfully overwinter potted plants in the foil greenhouse, the ideal temperature for each type of plant is crucial. Frost-sensitive species such as leadwort, nightshade and velvet violets require around 5-10°C, while hibiscus, red ornamental banana and large-leaved thunbergia require around 15°C.
Before we as garden owners move into warm indoor spaces with the onset of the cooler season, the sensitive large plants among the exotic plants in particular need some attention. Anyone who only has an unheated foil greenhouse for overwintering potted plants, a so-called cold house, cannot avoidadditional frost protection for their plants. While certain species such as oleander or olive trees survive the winter months without any damage even in colder rooms, hibiscus, jacaranda, aloe laurel & Co. like it a little warmer.
Observe optimal wintering temperatures
Irrigation or fertilizer applications are the exception during the dormant phase. However, the tropical plants are very sensitive when it comes to the comfortable temperature. Here are some examples of which temperatures in the film greenhouse are optimal forOverwintering potted plants:
| Plant type | Frost sensitivity | Wintering temperature (°C) |
|---|---|---|
| Leadwort | does not tolerate frost | 5 to 10 |
| Nightshade | does not tolerate frost | 5 to 10 |
| Velvet Violet | does not tolerate frost | around 10 |
| Mediterranean Snowball | Frost tolerated down to -10 | 2 to 8 |
| Red ornamental banana | does not tolerate frost | approx. 15 |
| Hibiscus | does not tolerate frost | approx. 15 |
| Rosewood | does not tolerate frost | approx. 15 |
| Large-leaved Thunbergie | does not tolerate frost | approx. 15 |
Tip
Particularly important: Even when there is frost, rot can occur on rotten or damaged plant parts. It is therefore best to check every potted plant that is to be relocated to the foil greenhouse for the winter for dead leaves and shoots.
