As a passion flower vine, my relationship with the sun is complex in winter. I am entering a period of dormancy, a necessary rest, but I am not dead. I still crave bright, indirect light. Please place me near a south-facing window if possible. The weak winter sun will not scorch my leaves but will provide the essential energy I need to sustain my basic functions. Without sufficient light, my stems will become weak and etiolated—stretching out thinly and pale, desperately seeking a photon. This weakens me significantly and makes me vulnerable to pests and disease. A sunny windowsill is my ideal winter retreat.
This is perhaps the most delicate part of our winter coexistence. My growth has dramatically slowed, meaning my roots drink water very, very slowly. The soil will take much longer to dry out. You must let the top few inches of soil become completely dry to the touch before offering me a modest drink. Overwatering will quickly lead to root rot, a fatal condition where my roots suffocate and decay in the cold, wet soil. Conversely, the heated air in your home is extremely dry and stressful for me. My leaves may crisp at the edges. Please increase the humidity around me. You can place my pot on a pebble tray filled with water (ensure the pot is not sitting in the water) or occasionally mist my leaves. A humidifier nearby is the greatest gift you could give me.
I do not want to be warm in winter. The consistent, warm temperatures of your living room can confuse me and may prevent me from entering a proper dormancy. I ideally prefer a cooler environment, with temperatures between 50-60°F (10-15°C). This chill signals to my internal systems that it is time to rest and conserve energy. A cooler location, such as an unheated but bright sunroom, porch, or even a cooler bedroom, helps me stay dormant and healthy. This period of cool rest is crucial for setting buds for next season's growth and flowers. Do not place me near heat vents or radiators, as the blast of hot, dry air is extremely detrimental.
Please do not fertilize me during the winter months. Since I am not actively growing, I have no need for the nutrients in fertilizer. Feeding me now would only lead to a harmful buildup of salts in the soil, which can damage my delicate, resting root system. Hold off on any major pruning until late winter or very early spring, just before new growth begins. You may remove any dead, yellowing, or overly leggy stems if necessary, but my main structure should be left intact. This old growth protects me and will be the framework from which I burst back to life when the days lengthen and warm.
The stress of lower light and dry air makes me more susceptible to attacks from spider mites and aphids. These pests thrive in the dry indoor conditions. Please inspect my leaves, especially the undersides, regularly for any signs of fine webbing or tiny insects. A quick and gentle shower with lukewarm water or wiping my leaves with a damp cloth can dislodge early infestations and keep my foliage clean, allowing me to breathe and photosynthesize efficiently. Your vigilance is my best defense during this vulnerable time.
