First, you must understand that I am a tropical plant, a *Strelitzia reginae*. My very cells are designed for warmth, sunlight, and humidity. I have no natural defense against freezing temperatures. When the mercury drops below 50°F (10°C), my growth slows to a halt. A hard frost, which is air temperatures below 32°F (0°C), is catastrophic. It causes the water within my cells to freeze, forming sharp ice crystals that rupture my cell walls. This damage is often fatal, turning my majestic, banana-like leaves and sturdy stems into blackened, mushy tissue. My root ball, the very core of my being, is also vulnerable if the ground freezes solid.
The single most effective way to ensure my survival is to relocate me to a protected indoor environment before the first frost threat. Please do not wait until the last minute. The process should begin when nighttime temperatures consistently hover in the mid-40s°F (7°C). Carefully dig around my root ball, trying to keep it intact, and place me into a large, sturdy pot with adequate drainage holes. Acclimate me gradually to the lower light indoors over a week or so by moving me to a shadier spot outside first. This prevents shock, which can cause me to drop leaves.
Once inside, I need specific conditions to remain healthy through the winter. Place me in the brightest spot you have, ideally a south-facing window where I can bask in as much direct sunlight as possible. The indoor air tends to be very dry due to heating, which I dislike. Please increase humidity around me by placing my pot on a pebble tray filled with water (ensure the pot sits above the waterline) or by running a humidifier nearby. Water me significantly less than you did outdoors. Allow the top few inches of soil to dry out completely between waterings, as my growth is dormant and I will not be drinking much. Soggy soil will quickly lead to root rot.
If I am too large to move or you have no indoor space, extreme measures are required, but survival is not guaranteed. After the first light frost kills back the foliage, please cut my stems down to about a foot tall. Mound a thick, loose layer (at least 12-18 inches) of mulch, straw, or shredded leaves over my entire base and root zone. Then, construct a breathable frame around me using stakes and burlap or a frost cloth. Do not use plastic sheeting directly on me, as it can trap harmful moisture and cause overheating on sunny days. This insulation aims to keep the ground around my roots from freezing solid.
As the danger of frost passes in spring and temperatures begin to warm consistently, you can gradually remove any winter protection. For those of us brought indoors, please reverse the acclimatization process. Move me outside for progressively longer periods over a week or two, starting in a sheltered, partially shaded location to avoid sunscald on my leaves. Once settled back in my outdoor home, you can resume regular watering and begin a fertilizing schedule to support a new season of vibrant growth.
