Certified Professional Horticulturist (CPH) Practice Exam

The period of acclimation for a plant to adjust to indoor conditions may range in length, but it's usually:

1. Several hours to several days

2. Several weeks to several months

3. Several days to several weeks

4. Several months to one year

The correct answer is: Several weeks to several months

The period of acclimation for a plant to adjust to indoor conditions is typically several weeks to several months. This timeframe allows plants to adapt to various indoor factors such as reduced light levels, changes in humidity, and variations in temperature compared to their outdoor environment. During acclimation, plants gradually adjust their physiological processes to meet the new conditions. This includes developing new foliage that can thrive in lower light, adjusting water uptake, and establishing a suitable root system within the indoor context. This transition period is crucial for their health and longevity in indoor environments. A shorter acclimation period, such as several hours to several days, is usually insufficient for most plants to adapt to significant changes. Similarly, while some plants might be able to acclimate in several days to several weeks, the more common and comprehensive adjustment typically does take longer. Prolonged acclimation periods, extending to several months or even a year, may apply to specific circumstances but are generally not representative of the typical acclimation duration for most plants moving to indoor settings.