Indoor Plant Care: Top Strategies for Storm Preparedness

Categories: OTHERS

When a storm rolls in, our first instincts are to secure our homes, ourselves, and our loved ones. But what about our leafy companions thriving indoors? Often, houseplants become an afterthought in the chaos of storm preparation. However, with a little planning and these top strategies, you can ensure your indoor jungle survives the storm relatively unscathed.

Light and Location: Prioritizing Plant Safety

A storm's impact on your indoor plants primarily revolves around light and location. Here's how to prioritize their safety in these aspects:

Light Levels: Storms often bring reduced natural light due to heavy rain, clouds, or strong winds. Plants that typically bask in bright, indirect sunlight might struggle during a power outage. To compensate, consider these options:

Group Plants for Shared Light: Huddle shade-loving plants together to maximize the available natural light filtering through windows.

Relocate Plants: If possible, move light-loving plants closer to windows (avoiding direct contact with cold glass) for a temporary light boost.

Location: High winds and flying debris pose a threat to your plants, especially near open windows or doors. 

Here's how to create a safe haven:

Move Plants Away from Windows and Doors: This reduces the risk of damage from flying objects or broken glass.

Group Plants Together: Placing plants close together offers some mutual protection from wind gusts.

Consider Bathrooms or Interior Rooms: Bathrooms and interior rooms often provide the most wind protection during a storm.

Pro Tip: If you have hanging plants, consider taking them down and placing them on a sturdy shelf or table for added stability.

Water Management: Avoiding Drought or Overwatering

Watering needs can fluctuate during a storm. Here's how to manage your plants' hydration:

Hold Off on Watering: Avoid the temptation to give your plants too much water right before a storm. Root rot can result from saturated soil getting wet during a power outage.

Assess Moisture Levels: After the storm has passed, check the soil moisture before resuming your regular watering schedule.

Adjust Watering Based on Light: Remember, reduced light levels during a storm mean lower water requirements.

Pro Tip: Sticking your finger into the top inch of soil is a simple way to check moisture levels. If the soil feels dry to the touch, it's time to water.

Temperature and Humidity: Maintaining a Balanced Environment

Fluctuating temperatures and humidity can stress your plants during a storm. Here's how to create a more stable environment:

Minimize Temperature Swings: Keep your plants away from drafts and sudden temperature changes that might occur near windows or doors during a storm.

Group Plants for Humidity: Grouping plants together helps create a mini, humid microclimate, particularly beneficial for tropical plants.

Consider a Humidifier: If the air becomes too dry during or after a storm, a humidifier can help maintain optimal humidity levels for your plants.

Pro Tip:   Covering the top of particularly sensitive plants with a clear plastic bag (with ventilation holes) can create a temporary humidity tent.

Additional Considerations for Storm Preparedness

Here are some additional tips to ensure your plants weather the storm:

Support Tall Plants: Stake or prop up tall plants to prevent them from toppling over during strong winds.

Protect Delicate Plants: If you have particularly fragile plants, consider placing them in a sheltered location like a bathtub or a sturdy box.

Prepare for Power Outages: If you rely on grow lights for your plants, have a backup plan like battery-powered LED lights to compensate for a power outage.

Pro Tip: Before the storm, take pictures of your plants. This will assist you in evaluating any damage following the storm and choosing the most effective recovery plan.

Post-Storm Recovery: Helping Your Plants Bounce Back

Once the storm has passed, it's time to assess the damage and help your plants recover:

Inspect for Damage: Check for broken stems, wilting leaves, or signs of pests attracted by damaged foliage.

Prune Carefully: Prune away any broken or damaged stems and leaves using sterilized pruning shears.

Clean Up Debris: Remove any fallen leaves or debris from around your plants to prevent the spread of disease or pests.

Resume Watering Cautiously: As mentioned earlier, check the soil moisture before resuming your regular watering schedule.

Gradually Reintroduce Light: Reintroduce your plants to their usual light conditions gradually if you have to relocate them away from light sources during the storm.