HOW TO CARE FOR TROPICAL OUTDOOR PLANTS DURING WINTER IN SOUTH FLORIDA 

Written By Elizabeth Susana

Expert Tips for Events, Interior Landscaping & Real Estate Staging

Even in South Florida, winter can be a challenging season for tropical plants. While we don’t face snow, cooler nights, fluctuating temperatures, and reduced daylight can stress tropical foliage—especially plants used for event plant rentals, interior landscaping, corporate plant rentals, and home staging plant rentals.

For businesses, property managers, hotels, HOAs, and real estate professionals who rely on lush greenery to elevate spaces, proper winter care is essential. At your South Florida plant rental company, understanding how tropical plants respond during winter ensures vibrant, healthy foliage for weddings, trade shows, office plant leasing programs, and luxury real estate staging throughout the season.

Below are expert-backed winter care strategies designed specifically for Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Palm Beach, and statewide Florida plant rentals.






1. Understand South Florida’s “Winter” Microclimate

South Florida winters are mild—but not risk-free. Cold fronts can bring nighttime temperatures into the 40s or 50s, which can shock tropical plants such as palms, ficus, crotons, monsteras, and hibiscus commonly used in event plant rentals in South Florida.

Key winter stressors include:

  • Sudden cold snaps






  • Reduced humidity






  • Shorter daylight hours






  • Cooler soil temperatures






According to the University of Florida IFAS Extension, tropical plants experience slowed growth below 60°F and may suffer leaf drop or discoloration if exposed too long to cooler conditions.
🔗 https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu











2. Adjust Watering & Drainage Practices

One of the most common winter mistakes—especially with plants for rent for events and short-term plant rental programs—is overwatering.

During winter:

  • Tropical plants require less frequent watering






  • Soil should dry slightly between waterings






  • Drainage must remain unobstructed for potted plants






The Florida Friendly Landscaping™ Program emphasizes that cooler temperatures slow evaporation, increasing the risk of root rot if watering schedules aren’t adjusted.
🔗 https://ffl.ifas.ufl.edu

This is especially critical for corporate plant rentals and maintenance programs, where consistency and plant health reflect directly on your brand and your clients’ spaces.











3. Protect Plants During Cold Nights & Events

For party & event plant rental setups—especially outdoor weddings, trade shows, or large-scale event marketing installations—temporary cold protection is essential.

Best practices include:

  • Grouping plants together to retain warmth






  • Moving sensitive plants closer to buildings or covered areas






  • Using breathable frost cloths (never plastic)






  • Bringing premium tropical plants indoors overnight when possible






The Royal Horticultural Society confirms that even brief cold exposure can cause irreversible damage to tropical foliage.
🔗 https://www.rhs.org.uk

This level of care ensures your luxurious plant hire offerings remain flawless for high-end events and hospitality clients.











4. Winter Fertilization: Less Is More

Winter is not the time for aggressive feeding. Over-fertilizing during dormancy can weaken roots and create excess salt buildup in containers—particularly for indoor plant rentals transitioning between outdoor holding areas and interior environments.

According to The Spruce, tropical plants should be fertilized lightly or paused entirely during winter months unless they are actively growing indoors.
🔗 https://www.thespruce.com

For interior plant design for offices, hotels, and commercial spaces, this approach supports long-term plant health and seamless seasonal rotations.











5. Plan for Seasonal Rotations & Holiday Plant Décor

Winter is the perfect time to introduce rotating blooms & seasonal plant programs that maintain visual impact while protecting sensitive tropical species.

Popular winter rental options in South Florida include:

  • Hardy palms and dracaenas






  • Seasonal flowering plants for lobbies and entrances






  • Holiday plant décor and rentals for hotels, office buildings, and HOAs






  • Accent greenery walls and plant walls designed for indoor conditions






This strategy is especially effective for office plant rentals & plant leasing in South Florida and seasonal plant rentals for condos and corporate campuses.











6. Why Professional Plant Maintenance Matters in Winter

Winter care is where professional expertise truly shines. From interior plant maintenance to event plant rentals statewide, trained horticultural teams understand how to balance aesthetics, biology, and logistics.

According to Natura, professional plant care programs:

  • Extend plant lifespan






  • Improve indoor air quality






  • Reduce stress and boost productivity






  • Protect your investment in high-quality foliage






🔗 https://blog.naturahq.com

For real estate staging with live plants, healthy greenery helps properties sell faster by creating inviting, biophilic environments that photograph beautifully and feel luxurious in person.











Bring Paradise Indoors—All Winter Long

With the right care, tropical plants can thrive year-round in South Florida—enhancing open house plant rentals, corporate event plant rentals, trade show plant rental South Florida, and interior landscaping in Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and Palm Beach.

Whether you’re staging a luxury condo, designing a biophilic workplace, or sourcing plants for your next event, professional plant rental and maintenance ensures every leaf looks intentional, healthy, and unmistakably paradise.











Trusted Sources Referenced:

Elizabeth Susana
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