Advice
Overwintering plants in conservatories
A
conservatory is an ideal place for overwintering plants. Winter
heating will dictate which plants will be suitable for growing
over winter. The minimum should be keeping the conservatory
frost free over night.
Beware that bright winter sunshine can cause temperatures to rise unexpectedly high, at a time of year when little or no ventilation is given.
Some plants dislike wet conditions in winter and will benefit from being kept in an unheated conservatory.
Heated conservatory
When used as part of the house, conservatories provide a warm and light environment. Day temperatures are generally maintained at 15-21°C (60-70°F), but ensure that some heating is maintained at night to avoid a drastic drop in temperature. This may be a suitable place for keeping tropical plants that require better light levels in the winter than are available in the house. Suitable plants include Gardenia, Ficus benjamina.
Intermediate
Maintained at a minimum of 10°C (50°F). This may be suitable to a range of houseplants that tolerate an even, cool temperature. Suitable plants include Hibiscus and Plumbago. Some plants which are suited to the intermediate conservatory such as Bougainvillea, Citrus, Stephanotis, Tibouchina will tolerate a cool conservatory if they are not overwatered.
Cool conservatory
Even without heating, a conservatory providing a minimum of 5-7°C (41-45°F) makes an ideal place to overwinter tender plants from the garden, such as Cordyline australis or Chamaerops humilis. Layers of fleece draped over susceptible plants on a frosty night will provide added protection. Plants suitable for a cool conservatory include Jasminum polyanthum, Camellia, Aspidistra elatior.