Cyclones are a normal part of living in the tropics, and can bring strong winds, heavy rain, and potential flooding. With a bit of preparation you can minimise damage to plants and avoid them becoming a safety hazard in strong winds.
Secure pot plants undercover:
1. Move pots to a sheltered location if possible, such as a garage or a protected patio.
2. If moving them indoors is not an option, group pots together in an area least affected by the wind.
3. Bring hanging baskets down to ground level to avoid damage and breakages to pots and foliage in the event of strong winds.
Use stakes to provide support and prevent larger pot plants from toppling over in strong winds. If possible, tie the plant to the stakes loosely to allow some movement without causing damage.
If plants in pots cannot be moved or secured, it may be better to lay down the pot and plant and use timber, rocks or sandbags to wedge or chock the pots to minimise the chances of movement. Leave them down until the undesirable weather has passed.
Trim any dead or overhanging branches that could become projectiles in strong winds.
Watering:
- Ensure that your plants are well-hydrated. Adequately watered plants are generally more resilient to extreme weather conditions.
2. Ensure that your pots have proper drainage to prevent waterlogging in heavy rain, a well-draining soil can prevent root rot in our tropical climate.
3. To avoid overwatering or fungal problems, if heavy rain is predicted, bring susceptible plants undercover.
4. If you have smaller potted plants or delicate species, consider moving them indoors to a safe location away from windows.
Remember that the safety of yourself and your family takes precedence over your plants, your garden will re-grow and your plants can be replaced.