From our perspective, the optimal temperature range for robust growth and efficient physiological function is between **65°F and 85°F (18°C to 29°C)**. Within this bracket, our metabolic processes, such as photosynthesis and respiration, operate at peak efficiency. We can readily absorb water and nutrients from the soil through our roots and convert sunlight into energy without undue stress. This range supports the steady production of new, healthy foliage and allows us to maintain our structural integrity. Temperatures consistently within this band mimic our native subtropical and tropical understory habitats, providing the warmth we crave without the extreme heat of direct, all-day sun.
When the ambient temperature rises persistently above 90°F (32°C), we begin to experience significant stress. Our rate of transpiration (water loss through our leaves) increases dramatically in an attempt to cool ourselves, much like you sweating. If water uptake from the roots cannot keep pace with this loss, our leaves may wilt, become scorched at the edges, or develop dry, brown patches. Furthermore, excessively high temperatures can actually damage the internal machinery of our cells, inhibiting photosynthesis and stunting our growth. Prolonged exposure to extreme heat weakens our overall defenses, making us more susceptible to infestations from pests like spider mites, which thrive in hot, dry conditions.
We are particularly vulnerable to cold temperatures. Sustained exposure to conditions below 60°F (15°C) slows our metabolic activity to a near halt. Growth will cease completely. More critically, temperatures at or below **50°F (10°C)** can cause direct chilling injury. This damage manifests as sudden leaf drop, where we sacrifice our foliage to preserve energy for our core stems and roots. The cell walls can rupture, leading to soft, blackened stems and mushy, dark spots on the leaves—a sign of irreversible damage. Crucially, we are extremely sensitive to rapid temperature fluctuations and cold drafts from leaky windows, air conditioning units, or doors. These drafts are a primary cause of stress-induced leaf drop, even if the overall room temperature seems acceptable.
We understand that the seasons change, and we can tolerate slight deviations from our ideal range with proper care. During the winter months, lower light levels naturally cause us to enter a period of dormancy where our growth slows. During this time, we can tolerate temperatures at the lower end of our preferred spectrum, around 60°F (15°C), but no lower. It is paramount to move us away from cold windowsills at night and to ensure we are not positioned near heat vents, which create a cycle of hot, dry air followed by cold shocks. A gradual acclimation to seasonal shifts is always preferable to sudden changes in our environment.
