Protecting Subtropical Plants During Florida Cold Snaps: Frost vs. Freeze Prep

Know Your Threat: Frost vs. Freeze

West of I-75 in SW Florida: expecting frost (mid-30s), not freeze. This distinction drives protection strategy.

Plant-by-Plant Triage

• Likely fine: Arecas, palms, oleander, bottlebrush, firebush
• May get stung: Bougainvillea, jasmine – but recover quickly
• Need protection: Annuals, perennials, vegetables

Effective Frost Protection

1. Coverings: Must not touch leaves – create air gap with stakes/frame
2. Floodlights: At base of plants, radiate heat upward
3. Sprinklers (risky): Running well water all night works for frost, but if temp drops below 32°F, you create lethal ice
4. Watering beforehand: Moist soil radiates more heat than dry soil

Freeze Protection (Not Needed Tonight)

Would require wrapping root zones with heavy blankets + floodlights on trunks. Overkill for forecasted frost.