How to Help Your Houseplant Recover from Cold Damage

So, your houseplant had a frosty brush with the cold, and now it’s looking worse for wear. Maybe you left it on the porch a little too long, or perhaps a chilly draft found its way through a window.

Don’t worry—you’re not alone, and more importantly, your plant might just bounce back with a little TLC. Let’s talk about how to help your plant recover and thrive once more.

First things first—take a breath. It’s easy to overreact when your prized Monstera or beloved Pothos looks like it’s on death’s door. But here’s the deal: plants are resilient. Before jumping to conclusions, take a closer look. Are the leaves wilted or discolored? Do they have dark, mushy spots? Those are telltale signs of cold damage. However, don’t assume the entire plant is a goner just because the foliage looks grim. The roots, which are the heart of the plant, often survive even when the top half appears doomed. 

Now that you’ve identified the damage, it’s time to act. Resist the urge to immediately blast it with heat or sunlight. Think of it like a person recovering from frostbite—too much warmth too quickly can do more harm than good. Instead, find a temperate spot away from drafts, direct sunlight, and heat vents. Somewhere around 65–75°F (18–24°C) is ideal. You want to create a calm environment where the plant can stabilize.

Pro tip: Leave it in its pot rather than repotting right away. Stress on top of stress isn’t the vibe.

Now comes the hard part: pruning. Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears, and snip away any dead or damaged parts. Focus on removing:

• Leaves that are entirely black or brown
• Stems that feel soft or mushy
• Any areas showing signs of rot

Be gentle! You don’t want to accidentally damage healthy tissue. And don’t go overboard—leave any slightly discolored but firm leaves in place; they might still be functional.

When plants look stressed, our instinct is often to douse them in water. But after cold exposure, the last thing your plant needs is soggy roots. Check the soil moisture first. If it’s still damp, hold off on watering until the top couple of inches feels dry.

Oh, and skip the fertilizer for now. Nutrients can be a little too much for a stressed plant.

Once you’ve trimmed away the damage, give your plant time to recuperate. This means:

• Light: Provide bright, indirect sunlight. Direct sunlight can scorch weakened leaves, so think “dappled shade.”
• Humidity: Increase moisture in the air with a humidifier, by grouping your plants together, or by placing a tray of water near your plant.
• Patience: Recovery isn’t instant. New growth might take weeks to appear, especially during winter when plants naturally slow down.

If your plant doesn’t seem to be improving after a few weeks, don’t give up hope just yet. Check the roots (gently!) to see if they’re firm and healthy. If they’re all mushy or rotten, it might be time to say goodbye. Otherwise, it just needs a bit more time.

Cold damage is a learning experience (though not a fun one). Next time, take these steps to shield your plants from the cold:

• Draft-proof your windows: Even a slight chill can affect nearby plants.
• Move plants away from doors: A gust of cold air every time you step out? Not great.
• Invest in a plant cover: If your plants live outdoors, frost covers can be lifesavers.
• Set reminders: When temperatures drop, bring outdoor plants inside. It’s easy to forget, especially during busy seasons.

Cold damage might feel like a major setback, but it’s also a chance to learn more about your plant’s needs and personality (yes, plants have personalities!). With the right care, your plant will be back to its beautiful self in no time.

And remember: even the most experienced plant parents have had their fair share of mishaps. So give yourself a break, grab your watering can, and keep growing—just like your plants will. Resilience is in their nature—and it’s in yours too.