Temperatures are dropping and with them heating is being turned on in more and more homes. However, for those who love… houseplantsthis habit can turn into a silent danger. Radiators and other heat sources, although they give us a comforting warmth, create an environment that is often hostile for many plant species. Dry air, direct heat and temperature fluctuations they can put a strain on plants, making it essential to pay attention to where we place them. Some much more than others.
Even if a warm corner near a radiator may seem like the ideal place to welcome a plant, in reality almost all plants should be kept away from heating, but many species suffer more than others and are seriously at risk of dying due to of the too dry and hot air that these heat sources give off.
Here is a guide to understand which plants to avoid placing near heating, with practical advice for keeping them healthy and suggestions on more resistant alternative species.
The negative effects of placing plants near the radiator
Excessive heat can have various negative effects on houseplants. Proximity to radiators can cause in particular:
Plants NOT to be placed near heat sources
While some plants can tolerate heat better, there are species that should always be kept away from radiators: These 5 in particular should absolutely not be placed near radiators:
Orchids
The orchid is an ornamental plant capable of purifying the air. It prefers light, but at the same time requires a high level of humidity as it is a tropical plant and may not survive in a climate made arid by the radiant heat of a radiator. It is better to place it in a bright environment where you can spray water to increase the humidity levels of the room
Cyclamen
Cyclamen is a splendid plant that tolerates cold better than heat. The ideal climate for cyclamen is cool. In fact, this plant prefers shade to the sun and direct heat can cause its flowers to wilt quickly.
Advise: Keep it in a cool room out of direct sun. Better to keep it in a cool room away from direct sun.
Christmas cactus
The Christmas cactus is a much-loved winter plant that tolerates the heating of our homes well, but should not be placed near heat sources or exposed to drafts. He too, therefore, away from radiators and drafts. However, place it in a bright area
Christmas star
The poinsettia or poinsettia is the symbolic plant of the Christmas holidays. This plant originally from Mexico prefers a warm and bright environment, but not near stoves, fireplaces and radiators. Therefore, place it in a bright area, but away from drafts and heating.
Ferns
This plant is also perfect for the less bright apartment. In nature it grows luxuriant in shaded or partial shade, humid and cool environments. Hot temperatures are not for her and neither are radiators that dry the air too much
Ficus
Varieties such as Ficus benjamin are particularly sensitive to temperature variations and too dry air: Ficus can quickly lose its leaves if placed near heat sources, therefore it is better to move it to a sheltered corner and regularly spray its leaves with water
Anthurium
This brightly flowering plant requires constant humidity. The dry heat from radiators can damage the Anthurium so place it in a humid area of the house, such as the bathroom.
Spathiphyllum (Spathiphyllum)
Also known as Peace Lily, Spathiphyllum suffers from dry air, which can cause yellowing of the leaves.
Advise: Spray water on the leaves and keep it away from radiators.
Calathea
This plant with decorative leaves requires high humidity and fears direct heat, which can cause the leaves to curl. Place the Calathea in a cool room with high humidity.
Succulent and succulent plants
While they can tolerate dry environments, direct, constant heat can cause water damage and stress to them succulent plants and to succulent plants which would risk drying out and burning all their internal water reserves.
Where to place them in the house? Useful tips
To ensure the health and beauty of your indoor plants, make sure to place the plants at least one meter away from any direct heat source. The use of humidifiers can help maintain optimal humidity, especially during the winter months.
Placing small basins of water near the plant can help maintain a more humid environment, also try to check the soil regularly to ensure that the plant has enough water, but watch out for stagnation which, equally, could be harmful.
Heat Resistant Alternatives
If you really want to embellish a corner near the radiator, opt for plants that tolerate heat better, such as some varieties of Sansevieria or Aloe, which in addition to being aesthetically pleasing, are known for their resistance in arid environments and are also capable of purifying the ‘air.
By taking the right precautions, your plants will be able to grow lush and healthy, even during the harsh winter months.
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