Hoyas and Chilly Weather.

4 years ago

Hello Everyone! I have something that's been bothering me lately concerning hoyas and chilly temperatures. I'm sure this question has been asked a million times but I haven't found an exact answer.

We just had a cold front move through yesterday and its going to drop down to 50 degrees Fahrenheit. I was wondering if anyone has experience with their hoyas at these temps? I don't know enough about botany to understand how non-freezing cool temperatures between 50 and 60 degrees could harm a plant.

However, I know I have species that come from areas that get down to those temperatures. I'm just curious about the species that people say that if they go below 60 degrees that they start failing. For instance, I have a megalaster and when I bought it the vendor told me to NEVER let it go below 60s. I have gingers that people swear if they go below 60 they will die, but only thing that happens is that they go dormant for a bit. And that's only if they are exposed to constant cold nights.

So is this misinformation or do hoyas reallllly hate the chilly weather that they will start to fail after one or two nights of 50 degree weather?

btw, most of my more expensive hoyas like clemensiorum are definitely staying in the grow tent until we are well into the 70s at night. lol I won't gamble on that.

Featured Answer

popmama (Colorado, USDA z5)

4 years ago

Yes I think 50s are fine for a while. In Colorado, we consider nights above 50 to be Summer!

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Comments (8)

Bill M.
4 years ago
I live in north east PA, and next week I'll be putting my plants outside in the GH. Along with the hoyas will be some tropical. I've already moved a diffenbachia out there and the temps have gone down to the low 40's high 30's at night, but it's doing ok. No signs of any damage at all. I guess it's a sacrificial test, since it's so delicate, but it's been doing well, hence the decision to move everyone else out there end of next week.

I live in north east PA, and next week I'll be putting my plants outside in the GH. Along with the hoyas will be some tropicalss. I've already moved a diffenbachia out there and the temps have gone down to the low 40's high 30's at night, but it's doing ok. No signs of any damage at all. I guess it's a sacrificial test, since it's so delicate, but it's been doing well, hence the decision to move everyone else out there end of next week.

Best of luck with yours, but I would think the 50s are ok. Maybe some others could chime in too and we can get a consensus (if that's ever possible!).
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Meyermike(Zone 6a Ma.)
4 years ago
Mines always do fine in the spring at those temps. Besides I stick mine where morning sun will hit them and warm them fast

Ask this same question for fall and I will tell you toooooo cold.

Mike
Nilo (Zone 9b)
Original Author
4 years ago
Thank you Bill and popmama for your replies! This is super helpful because if anybody would know about cold temperatures its definitely y'all up north.

I think I might chance it with some of the species that I know could handle the cold snap but I'm going to bring in the ones that need to be in the 60s. Maybe one day when I have enough hoyas to have sacrificial test plants, I will be able to see how well they do without worrying so much.

It's funny because to me (a born and raised Floridian), 50's is still really cold and drives me crazy having to put on my jacket and wearing pants lol. I don't know how y'all up north deal with the weather. I have a lot of respect for you! I wouldn't last a single winter up there!
Nilo (Zone 9b)
Original Author
4 years ago
Thank you meyermike! I have mine in a spot that gets really bright light and some direct sun in the morning too, so they don't stay cold for too long.
popmama (Colorado, USDA z5)
4 years ago
Hey, Ric posted a video a few weeks ago showing some after-effects of cold in his Florida home. You may want to check it out.
Meyermike(Zone 6a Ma.)
4 years ago
Popmama, can you post the link? I'd like to see)))

It was 35 the other night and all my Hoya are still happy. Some putting on buds now)))
Bill M.
4 years ago
Mike, you recieve my email reply to your message?