Temperature
Intro
Temperature affects almost every process happening inside a plant, from water uptake and metabolism to growth and nutrient use. For indoor growing, it is not only the air temperature that matters — the temperature around the roots and the difference between day and night can also influence plant performance.
Air temperature
Air temperature directly affects a plant’s metabolism and growth rate. Many tropical aroids grow well around 22–28 °C, depending on the species.
From practical experience, a slightly warmer range of 26–28 °C often results in faster growth and more active root development in many tropical aroids.
For most indoor growers, stability is more important than finding a perfect number.
Root zone temperature
Warm root zones support growth in tropical plants, while cold substrate slows water and nutrient uptake even in warm rooms.
In semi-hydro systems, sustained high air temperatures (around 28 °C and above) can also warm the reservoir, reducing oxygen levels and increasing stress risk.
Simple rule: if the room feels comfortable, the root zone is usually suitable for most aroids.
Day/night temperature
Plants don't necessarily need the same temperature all day. A warmer day followed by a slightly cooler night creates a natural temperature cycle.
For tropical plants, keeping the night only a few degrees cooler can provide a useful difference without exposing them to unnecessary cold stress.
Temperature stress
Too much heat or cold can push a plant outside its comfortable range. Heat can increase water loss and stress the plant, while cold temperatures can slow metabolism, root activity and nutrient uptake.
The goal isn't the highest temperature possible — it's keeping the plant in a range where it can actually function well.