02/12/2026
Hello everyone! Some notes over here.
Just Florida Residents!
As you know, a few days ago Florida experienced a period of freezing temperatures, with record lows in many areas. Temperatures between 15–25°F, with wind chills of 8–20°F, were widespread.
If the plants in your yard suffered damage or cold burn, here are some tips:
1. Be patient. Don’t do anything hastily.
2. If your plants’ leaves are currently brown or white, do not rush to remove them or cut the plant. Wait for those leaves to fall off naturally.
3. Using your fingernail or a small knife, lightly scratch the plant stem in several different spots. If you see green inside when you scratch it, that means the plant tissue is still alive the plant is still alive.
4. Water the base of the plant thoroughly. Do not wet the leaves or stems—only the base—until the soil/sand is well soaked. The cold we experienced in Florida was extremely dry, and that severely dehydrates plants.
5. The average last frost date in Florida is usually mid-March. Those dry leaves still protect the plant in case temperatures drop below freezing again in the coming weeks.
6. By late March, observe whether your plant shows new green growth. Lightly scratch the stem again with your fingernail or a small knife. The areas that appear green are still alive. If you scratch and see brown or black, by that time you can prune the plant, removing all dead plant tissue.
7. DO NOT use fertilizer yet. With these cold temperatures, the plant is dormant or semi-dormant, and fertilizer can burn the root system. Wait until the first week of April to fertilize for the first time.
Most yards look bad right now because many tropical plants are planted in Florida, and they are not adapted to temperatures below 32°F.
But patience will be your best friend and your plants best friend.
If you follow all these tips and your plant shows no new growth by early April, unfortunately the plant has died.
Consider replacing it with more cold-hardy species.
NOTE: if your HOA is telling you to replace the dead ones DO IT if you see they are dead otherwise please don’t.
This Note was share from a very good friend! Chat GPT! lol!
Enjoy your day.
