Cold snap chat: Ask experts about the weather, how to protect your plants

WPTV Meteorologist Tyler Mauldin and Mounts Botanical Garden Director R. Allen Sistrunk will answer your cold weather questions.

3rd & 7 37yd

low 30s

by Allen Sistrunk 2/18/2015 10:59:16 PM
If I water my plants tonight, will that protect them from the cold?

by Tom 2/18/2015 10:59:38 PM
It will defintely help them survive the cold

by Allen Sistrunk 2/18/2015 10:59:56 PM
I have too many orchids to bring in- how can I keep them safe from the cold?

by Mary Alice 2/18/2015 11:00:04 PM
Say a prayer! Cover them with burlap, if you are able

by Allen Sistrunk 2/18/2015 11:01:06 PM
Bougainvillea ok with cold?

by Ruth 2/18/2015 11:01:15 PM
Absolutely!!

by Allen Sistrunk 2/18/2015 11:01:38 PM
I have a waterfall and koi pond. Are the Koi going to have a problem with the onset of this cold weather? Should we turn the water falls off?

by Cc 2/18/2015 11:01:51 PM
Tyler, is there any chance of snow anywhere in South Florida?

by Opie 2/18/2015 11:02:14 PM
Koi are very cold tolerant.....I'd leave the waterfall on.

by Allen Sistrunk 2/18/2015 11:02:24 PM
NO!! We haven't had measurable snow here since '77, Opie.

by Tyler Mauldin 2/18/2015 11:02:39 PM
Hi Sebastian here. I have NG inpatients on the wall of my house. May I cover them? Would Publix bags protect the plants?

by Jeanette 2/18/2015 11:03:20 PM
NG Impatiens shold be OK without cover

by Allen Sistrunk 2/18/2015 11:03:45 PM
What about my tomato plants tonight and tomorrow night?

by shelley 2/18/2015 11:04:09 PM
Shelly,
where do you live?

by Allen Sistrunk 2/18/2015 11:04:30 PM
Jeanette Bujold Thanks. What about my pumpkin plant? Its roots are in the ground.

by Jeanette 2/18/2015 11:05:30 PM
Jeanette,,,where is your garden?

by Allen Sistrunk 2/18/2015 11:06:00 PM
I have a Joy Perfume Tree that is approximately 3-3-1/2 feet tall - will it be OK?

by Kathy 2/18/2015 11:06:10 PM
Kathy...it should be fine!

by Allen Sistrunk 2/18/2015 11:06:23 PM
I have 8 hanging plants, spider and philodendron, over 30 years old, hanging against the screen in my 30' screened and roofed patio. They blow in the wind. Are they in danger of freezing? I live just east of I-95 in WPB.

by geldalee@gmail.com edited by Allen Sistrunk 2/18/2015 11:06:56 PM
After 30 years they've seen much worse....they should be fine!

by Allen Sistrunk 2/18/2015 11:07:28 PM
I have bromeliads in pots outside should I bring them in?

by donna paolini 2/18/2015 11:07:48 PM
Donna...where is your garden?

by Allen Sistrunk 2/18/2015 11:08:05 PM
Geraniums? Roses? Chocolate fruit tree (young)

by Karen 2/18/2015 11:08:19 PM
Geraniums and Roses OK...Chocolate extrenely cold sensitive...either bring it inside or if planted outside,cover with burlap, sheet or somethingand say a prayer!

by Allen Sistrunk 2/18/2015 11:10:47 PM
I planted an orange tree in my yard in Port Saint Lucie by a week ago. How can I protect my little tree?

by Blanca 2/18/2015 11:10:58 PM
It should be OK ....., wrapping with a sheet or burlap and mulching heavy should help but since it was recently planted it is risky.

by Allen Sistrunk 2/18/2015 11:13:00 PM
My wife just planted her tulips last night and now I'm afraid they will stick like licking a metal pole. Help!

by Benjamin Dover 2/18/2015 11:13:18 PM
Tulips like Boston!!!

by Allen Sistrunk 2/18/2015 11:13:33 PM
Will Large begonias full of flowers survive cold?

by Linda 2/18/2015 11:14:20 PM
I believe they will!

by Allen Sistrunk 2/18/2015 11:14:38 PM
Sebastian Highland. The pumpkin vine is rooted in the front yard.

by Jeanette Bujold 2/18/2015 11:15:05 PM
Hi Jeanette...It shoulkd be fine!

by Allen Sistrunk 2/18/2015 11:15:33 PM
Do I need to cover my crotons or will they be alright with the cold?

by Debbie 2/18/2015 11:15:39 PM
They will be just fine!

by Allen Sistrunk 2/18/2015 11:15:51 PM
Should I bring my orchids inside? I live in Palm Beach Gardens just west of the turnpike.

by Stuart 2/18/2015 11:16:03 PM
Thanks so much.

by Jeanette Bujold 2/18/2015 11:16:06 PM
Stuart...I woui
d just to be safe

by Allen Sistrunk 2/18/2015 11:16:36 PM
I have two Hibiscus trees that are about 7' tall. Will they survive a mild frost? I live in North Jupiter east of 95

by JohnB 2/18/2015 11:16:53 PM
If they have been planted for awhile they should be fine.....even if they are new, its likely they will survive

by Allen Sistrunk 2/18/2015 11:19:51 PM
Will Geraniums be OK outside?

by Geraniums be OK 2/18/2015 11:19:59 PM
geraniums will do just fine!

by Allen Sistrunk 2/18/2015 11:20:13 PM
Avacado and Mango in Vero Beach?

by mark 2/18/2015 11:20:25 PM
Vero will be pretty chilly! Its risky but I have a
feeling they will be OK

by Allen Sistrunk 2/18/2015 11:21:19 PM
Should I cover my orchids tonight? I live in Vero beach close to US#1?

by Nessstruve 2/18/2015 11:21:25 PM
yes...bring them in if possible...covering with burlap will be best.......especially tomorrow night

by Allen Sistrunk 2/18/2015 11:22:44 PM
I have 2 young avacado plants, should I bring them in for St. Lucie county?

by Johane Jennings 2/18/2015 11:23:28 PM
Yes ,
if you are able

by Allen Sistrunk 2/18/2015 11:23:50 PM
I have a huge hand of bananas, still on the tree, just starting to ripen. I live near downtown Stuart, not far from the water. Should I cover them?

by Christina 2/18/2015 11:24:19 PM
They are
hard to cover, but shoukd be OK

by Allen Sistrunk 2/18/2015 11:24:36 PM
How about desert rose and succulents?

by jen 2/18/2015 11:26:22 PM
In Vero Beach. Will Lantana survive the freeze?

by Kamala 2/18/2015 11:26:46 PM
These succulent type plants should be OK...especiall the succulents!

by Allen Sistrunk 2/18/2015 11:26:54 PM