The trip home is a small but real risk. Most houseplants are tropical, and a closed car is an oven or a fridge depending on the weather.
In hot weather, never leave a plant in a parked, closed car, even for a short errand: the temperature climbs quickly and can scorch or wilt it. Keep it out of direct sun through the windows, especially if it is a shade-loving plant. In warm climates, this is the main danger to plan for.
In cold weather, wrap the plant in newspaper or a paper bag before you leave the shop and carry it in the heated passenger area, not the boot. Many foliage plants can be badly damaged below about 10 °C (50 °F).
Once home, unwrap it straight away, set it somewhere bright but out of harsh direct sun, and let it rest. The next lessons cover what to do, and what not to do, in the days that follow.
Key points
- A closed car in the sun can quickly damage a plant.
- In cold weather, wrap plants and keep them in the heated cabin.
- Unwrap as soon as you get home.
Try this
Before your next plant trip, plan it as the last stop so the plant spends the least time in the car.
Check yourself
Read more in the reference
Sources
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