Overwintering plants encompasses all the measures necessary to ensure they survive the cold season. Overwintering requirements vary depending on the plant species. While some plants can thrive outdoors with simple protection, others need a sheltered winter location. Even houseplants require adapted care during the winter months, as light, temperature, and humidity conditions change.
Overwintering garden and balcony plants
Plants from the garden or balcony overwinter best when protected from temperature fluctuations. For example, garden plants growing firmly in the ground, as well as small trees and shrubs, can be reliably protected from cold, wind, and dampness with frost protection hoods, fleece covers, or special overwintering tents.
Portable potted plants should be moved to a bright, cool, but absolutely frost-free location for the winter months. Suitable overwintering spots include a conservatory, an unheated stairwell, a greenhouse, or a garage with a window. This way, the plants will survive the cold season safely with minimal care.
Preparing plants for winter
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Stop fertilizing: By late summer at the latest, nitrogen-heavy fertilization should no longer be carried out so that plants do not sprout softly and can mature better.
- Perform pruning: Remove dead or excessively long shoots.
- Cleaning: Clean plant containers, remove leaves, and clean plant surfaces of dirt.
- Protect frost-sensitive pots: For example, place buckets on feet, insulate the pot walls with jute, bubble wrap or coconut mats.
- Prepare winter quarters: Choose a bright, cool, frost-free room and create space for the plants.
Overwintering houseplants
Houseplants also need to overwinter and react to changing conditions during the cold season. While these adaptations are usually less extensive than those of garden or balcony plants, many houseplants still require adjusted care to survive the winter. Shorter days, less light, cool drafts, and dry air from heating systems affect their growth and water requirements. Therefore, it's important to gradually adjust their care to avoid typical winter problems such as leaf loss, dryness, or pest infestations.
Adapted care in winter
- Reduce fertilization: Most houseplants are dormant during the winter, so they should only be fertilized very sparingly or not at all.
- Water less: Water sparingly and only when the top layer of soil has dried out, and avoid waterlogging.
- Optimize lighting: Bright locations help plants survive the winter well. Move them closer to the window or Use plant lamps.
- Increase humidity: Counteract the dry air from heating by regularly spraying the plants during winter.
Detailed information about winter plant care can be found here: How to safely get your tropical plants through the winter .
Overwintering a Strelitzia indoors
The bird of paradise (Strelitzia) is one of the most popular houseplants, but it originates from tropical regions and is therefore not suitable for cold temperatures. Bird of paradise plants can be successfully overwintered in the living room if a few important points are observed. Crucial is a very bright location, ideally without direct drafts, offering constant temperatures between 15 and 20 °C. In most cases The Strelitzia can easily remain in the living room, but should be moved closer to the window for the winter months so that it receives enough light. Their water requirements decrease significantly in winter, however, the Strelitzia benefits from increased humidity, for example through regular spraying.
After overwintering
Once winter is over and the first mild days arrive, most plants need an acclimatization period. Garden and balcony plants should initially only be exposed to the fresh outdoor conditions for a few hours at a time. To do this, place them in a sheltered spot on mild days and gradually increase their direct sunlight exposure to prevent sunburn. They should only be moved outdoors permanently once there is no longer any risk of night frosts.
Even houseplants should be gradually acclimatized to the changed conditions after overwintering. This includes slightly increasing watering and slowly resuming fertilization. This allows the plants to regenerate optimally and be best prepared for the upcoming growing season.
