What occurs when dry, cold winter air causes plants to dry out?

The phenomenon described, where dry, cold winter air leads to plants losing moisture, is correctly identified as winter desiccation. This condition occurs when the air is not only cold but also has low humidity, which can cause plants to lose more water through transpiration than they can uptake through their roots.

During winter, many plants are dormant, and their ability to absorb water from the soil is significantly reduced. Furthermore, frozen ground can limit root accessibility to moisture. As a result, the combination of cold temperatures and low soil moisture availability can lead to significant water loss in plants, resulting in damage or even death to the plant tissues. Symptoms include browning and shriveling of leaves and needles, which is a direct result of insufficient water.

This concept is important for anyone involved in plant care, as recognizing the signs of winter desiccation can inform necessary protective measures to maintain plant health through the colder seasons.