Types

• Plants from warm tropical regions will suffer when the temperature drops to 50 degrees. Conversely, a plant from a highland area such as the Andes or southern Himalayas may tolerate 50 degrees just fine.
  
  

Effects

• Tropical plants like some rain forest palms or equatorial orchids may droop, drop leaves and flowers, begin to shrivel or develop yellow leaves in low temperatures. Tropical plants exposed to cool temperatures, below 60 degrees, do not tolerate wet soil conditions.
  
  

Prevention/Solution

• As long as the indoor temperatures never reach freezing, most houseplants can survive. It may temporarily become dormant and drop leaves, but its underground roots may still be alive. Heat-loving tropical plants may withstand 50 degrees, but only for a short period (such as less than a week). Avoid wet soils and drying drafts so the chill doesn't cause further harm.