As the temperature increases above the base temperature, plants grow faster, until it reaches its maximum rate of development. This is the optimum temperature and also varies among plant species. Plants that originate from warmer climates tend to have higher optimum temperatures than those from cooler climates.
Differences between air temperature and plant temperature. Most biological processes will speed up at higher temperatures, and this can have both positive and negative effects. For example, faster growth or fruit production is one benefit, in most cases.
Most plants will not grow if the temperature falls below freezing, although some can tolerate brief periods of freezing temperatures. In general, the warmer the temperature, the faster a plant will grow. However, there is such a thing as too much heat – extremely high temperatures can damage or kill plants.
Their metabolic processes (in this case, photosynthesis) slow down when the temperature drops. Biological reactions are chemical reactions, after all. The rate of a reaction is temperature-dependent – speeding up when it's warmer and slowing down or even stopping when it gets colder.
Plants will typically grow better in warm water. There are many rumors, myths and beliefs in circulation about the ideal best practices for growing plants; these can lead home gardeners into a confusing landscape of conflicting advice and ambiguity.
Still, some other plants can grow in mild winters. Root vegetables like garlic, carrots, and radishes grow well in cold temperatures. So do leafy greens like collards, kale, and cabbage. However, even most cold crops grow best if they're protected from frost and freezing temperatures.
High temperatures are unfavorable for the growth of many plant species because the rate of photosynthesis (the basic process plants use to make sugar) begins to decline rapidly after a critical high temperature is reached.
At temperatures below 15° C, photosynthesis and plant metabolism slow, stopping growth as it waits for better conditions. As soon as the temperature rises, the plant resumes full functioning.
Because the enzymes driving biochemical reactions don't function well in winter, dipping temperatures and lack of sunlight slows plants' metabolism. Photosynthesis and respiration decelerate, and growth halts.
In some cases, poor environmental conditions (e.g., too little water) damage a plant directly. In other cases, environmental stress weakens a plant and makes it more susceptible to disease or insect attack. Environmental factors that affect plant growth include light, temperature, water, humidity and nutrition.
In particular, temperature is a critical factor affecting plant growth. Each plant species has a suitable temperature range. Within this range, higher temperatures generally promote shoot growth, including leaf expansion and stem elongation and thickening. However, temperatures above the optimal range suppress growth.
For many plants, temperatures below 50°F can cause problems. Adjust thermostats to cater to your comfort, but remember your plants need some consideration. Avoid placing plants near cold drafts or heat sources. Keep plants several inches away from exterior windows.
The general rule of thumb is that most plants freeze when temperatures remain at 28°F for five hours. Of course, there are exceptions to this rule. Seedlings, with their tender new leaves, often give up the ghost when temperatures dip to 32-33°F. Tropical plants have differing low-temperature thresholds.
Elongation of stems increases when the day is increasingly warmer than the night. For example, plants grown at a 16° F +DIF (76/60° F day/night) will be taller than those at a 4° F +DIF (70/66° F day/night).
Seasonality. From spring to fall is the growing season. The most vigorous growth of plants will be in the summer when the sun is up and out the longest. During winter, the sun is neither as high in the sky, nor in the sky for as long as it is in the summer.
All plants require light for photosynthesis, the process within a plant that converts light, oxygen and water into carbohydrates (energy). Plants require this energy in order to grow, bloom and produce seed. Without adequate light, carbohydrates cannot be manufactured, the energy reserves are depleted and plants die.
Growth rate in children varies during the calendar year, with a faster rate of growth during the spring/summer than in the winter [1,2].
On the other hand, harsh winters with a lingering cold will lessen the risk of weeds, disease, fungus, and insects harming your plants. Bacteria, insects, and some weeds become dormant in colder temperatures. If temperatures get cold enough, bacteria and insects can die.
Colder weather can decrease plant enzyme activity. This then disrupts plant nutrient intake because plants secrete enzymes to digest surrounding materials for soil. Consequently, this can stunt growth or more severely cause them to die.
Plants, especially the ones that we grow in a garden like vegetables, fruits and herbs, generally prefer to grow in temperatures starting from 40 to 85 F.
The general answer is around 90 degrees F, with some exceptions to the rule. This means that when temps rise above 90 and remain there for a lengthy spell: Leaves wilt. Water evaporates into the atmosphere more quickly in high heat, draining a plant's reserves.
Most plants shut down during extreme heat, so if it is over 100 degrees, it may be best to wait to water even if your plant is stressed. Throw a damp sheet over it, or mist it lightly to bring the temperature down. Mist leaves with a spray nozzle to cool down plant and reduce transpiration.
The main factors those influence plants development include light, heat, water, humidity, and nutrition. It is essential to know how these barriers impact plants development.
Most houseplants thrive between 65 and 75°F (15-24°C) during the day and 60-68°F at night. But remember that the thermostat temperature in your hallway won't be an accurate representation of the temperature in other rooms so use your common sense.
All plants depend on sunlight and water to grow. But during the winter months the shortened day provides less sunlight and freezing temperatures means water is frozen and inaccessible. Freezing temperatures also rupture plant cells.