High-Rise Microclimate: Overwintering Palms in Arbon/Stachen Switzerland (Zone 8b)

[Mazat]

I wanted to share the current status of my 4th-floor balcony collection here in Arbon Stachen (Lake Constance). Despite the central European winter, my Washingtonia robusta, Phoenix canariensis, and Phoenix reclinata are thriving in their elevated microclimate.

Current Stats (06:55 AM, March 9):

Outdoor Temp (Arbon Stachen 425m, solar-ventilated Bresser)

 3.7 C / 97 % humidity

Balcony Temp 443m (4th floor, shaded Intertronic): 

 8.5 C / 61 %

Pressure: 1021 hPa (stable).

We are also successfully keeping a Howea forsteriana (Kentia) and Saribus rotundifolius on the balcony, protected by fleece and sagex.

The difference between the garden level and the 4th floor is the key to our success as a 'Light-Bringer' for these species.

[Mazat]

Current Stats (06:53 AM, March 10):

 

Outdoor Temp (Arbon Stachen 425m, solar-ventilated Bresser)

 

 0.4 C / 32.72 F 95 % humidity

 

Balcony Temp 443m (4th floor, shaded Intertronic): 

 

 6.9 C / 44.42 F / 55 %

 

Pressure: 1018 hPa 

[Mazat]

Current Stats (06:33 AM, March 16):

Outdoor Temp (Arbon Stachen 425m, solar-ventilated Bresser)

 0.1 C / 32.18 F 95 % humidity

Balcony Temp 443m (4th floor, shaded Intertronic): 

6.6 C / 43.88 F / 78 %

Pressure: 1017 hPa