Wintering potted plants correctly
Wintering potted plants properly
How to keep your plants healthy through the cold season
Winter poses a challenge for many gardening enthusiasts: how do you overwinter potted plants correctly so that they defy the cold months and sprout vigorously again in spring? In this blog, you can find out everything you need to know about overwintering potted plants - from the ideal conditions to helpful tips for different types of plants.
Why overwinter potted plants?
Many popular potted plants, such as oleander, hibiscus or bougainvillea, come from warm regions and are not equipped for frosty temperatures. Without adequate protection, their roots and shoots can be damaged, which often leads to the plant dying. Overwintering makes it possible to provide the plants with a protected space in which they can survive the cold season unscathed.
Classify potted plants according to temperature requirements
Not all potted plants require the same overwintering conditions. Basically, potted plants can be divided into three categories according to their sensitivity to cold:
- Frost-sensitive plants: such as bougainvillea, hibiscus or fuchsias. They require mild temperatures of 5-12°C and plenty of light.
- Frost-tolerant plants: such as oleander or laurel. These tolerate cooler temperatures down to 0°C and can be placed in colder, but frost-free rooms.
- Hardy plants: such as lavender, boxwood or certain rose varieties. They can withstand light frosts, but should still be protected, for example by wrapping them in fleece.
Finding the right place to overwinter
Depending on the heat and light requirements of your plants, you can consider the following locations:
- Frost-free garage or cellar: Ideal for light-insensitive plants. However, temperatures should not fall too low, as damage can occur even without frost.
- Cool, bright stairwell: Perfect for plants that need light but don't like direct sunlight.
- Conservatory or unheated room: Provides plenty of light and is suitable for tropical plants that need more warmth.
- Cold house or greenhouse: If you have a greenhouse, it can be an excellent solution. It is best if it is slightly heated or insulated to provide constant conditions.
Preparing plants for winter
Before you bring your potted plants into their winter quarters, there are a few steps to prepare them:
- Cleaning and pruning: remove dead leaves and shorten long shoots so that the plant requires less energy. Also check for pests and treat the plants if necessary to prevent them from spreading in their winter quarters.
- Repotting and root pruning: Older plants should be repotted when the root system is very dense. This stimulates new growth and creates space for the roots.
- Last fertilization in autumn: Fertilize the plants one last time in late autumn before pausing fertilization until spring. The plants do not need any additional nutrients in winter as they are in a dormant phase.
Care in the winter quarters
Even if the plants are dormant during the winter, they still need a little care:
- Watering: Reduce watering considerably, as the water requirement is low during the cold season. Avoid waterlogging as this can damage the roots. Only water sparingly when the top layer of soil is dry.
- Ventilate: Provide fresh air regularly to prevent mold and fungal infestation, especially in closed rooms. But be careful in sub-zero temperatures: Only ventilate briefly and carefully!
- Pest control: Pests such as spider mites and aphids can also occur in winter. Check your plants regularly and remove any pests early on.
As soon as the temperatures are permanently above 10°C and there is no longer any risk of frost, potted plants can go outside again. But be careful: the move outside should not be made abruptly, but gradually, so that the plants slowly get used to the sunlight and outside temperatures.
- Hardening off: During the first few days, only place the plants outside for a few hours at a time, preferably in a shady spot protected from the wind.
- Increase watering and fertilizing: From spring, the need for water and nutrients increases again. Start fertilizing regularly to stimulate growth.
Common mistakes when overwintering and how to avoid them
- Too high temperatures: Many plants do not cope well with excessively warm winter quarters and start to sprout too early. This weakens them and often leads to unhealthy growth.
- Lack of light: Plants that overwinter in the dark often lose their leaves or wither. Make sure there is enough light or choose a more suitable location.
- Overwatering: One of the most common mistakes is too much water. Many plants rot when their roots are standing in wet soil in winter. It is better to water sparingly and avoid waterlogging.
Conclusion
Overwintering potted plants correctly is not that difficult if you follow a few basic tips. The choice of a suitable location, the right preparation and moderate care in the winter quarters are crucial to ensure that your plants survive the winter well and sprout healthily and vigorously in spring.
With a little planning and care, you will enjoy your potted plants year after year - and they will thank you with magnificent growth and beautiful blooms!