From our perspective, the shortening daylight and dropping temperatures of autumn are not a threat but a signal. It is our cue to enter a period of dormancy, a deep sleep where our metabolic processes slow dramatically. We are not dead; we are conserving every ounce of energy within our roots and crown to survive the winter. Our goal is not to grow or flower but simply to persist. The key to helping us is to replicate the conditions of our native South African habitat—cool, dry, and protected from freezing wetness, which is far more damaging than the cold itself.
Our survival strategy differs greatly depending on where we are planted. If we are growing in containers, our roots are exponentially more vulnerable to freezing solid. The limited soil offers little insulation. The most reliable method is to be brought into a protected, cool environment. If we are in the ground, our roots have a better buffer, but the crown—the central growing point at the soil's surface—remains critically exposed. In both cases, the primary enemy is not cold air, but cold *and* wet conditions that lead to rot.
As autumn frosts begin to threaten, you must prepare us for our long rest. First, cease fertilizing us. We must not be encouraged to produce tender new growth that will be killed by frost, wasting our precious stored energy. Next, after the first light frost has blackened our foliage, prune our stems back to about 3-6 inches above the soil line. This is not a punishment; it removes frost-damaged material that could become a vector for disease and helps our plant focus its energy on the roots. Do not prune too early, as our foliage continues to photosynthesize and build energy reserves until the very end.
For those of us in the garden bed, a thick, dry mulch is our best blanket. After the soil has begun to cool significantly (often after a few hard frosts), mound 4-6 inches of a loose, airy material like straw, pine boughs, or shredded leaves over our crown. This layer traps air, which is a superb insulator, and protects us from fluctuating temperatures and freezing winds. It keeps the soil consistently cold and dry, preventing the deadly cycle of freeze-thaw-freeze that heaves roots from the ground. Do not use heavy, wet mulch like whole leaves, which will smother and rot us.
For potted specimens, our entire being must be moved to a sanctuary that mimics a perfect hibernation cave. This location must be cool (ideally between 40-50°F / 4-10°C), dark, and dry. An unheated garage, shed, or basement is ideal. Water us very sparingly throughout the winter, perhaps once a month, providing just enough moisture to prevent our roots from desiccating completely. The soil should be barely damp, never wet. In this cool, dark place, we will rest peacefully until the increasing light and warmth of spring signal that it is time to wake.
