First, you must understand my natural cycle. I am a temperate to subtropical vine, and winter is my time for a deep, necessary rest called dormancy. This is not a sign of illness or decline; it is a vital period of hibernation where my metabolic processes slow dramatically. I will likely lose a significant portion, if not all, of my leaves. This is my strategy to conserve energy, reducing transpiration and photosynthesis when light levels are too low to support full foliage. Do not be alarmed by this leaf drop—it is my expected and healthy response to the shorter, colder days.
My most critical winter need is a cool environment. A warm, centrally heated room is one of the worst things for me. I require a period of chilling, ideally between 7-13°C (45-55°F), to properly complete my dormancy. This cold period helps reset my internal clock and promotes vigorous growth and flowering in the coming spring. Please place me in a cool garage, a basement with a window, a minimally heated porch, or even a cool room in your house. Avoid placing me near heat vents or radiators, as the dry, hot air will cause me to break dormancy prematurely, producing weak, etiolated growth that is susceptible to pests.
As my growth has halted, my water requirements are a tiny fraction of what they were in summer. Overwatering is the greatest threat to my survival during this season. My roots must be kept barely moist to prevent them from desiccating completely, but they should never sit in wet, cold soil, which will quickly lead to fatal root rot. Please water me very sparingly, perhaps only once every three to four weeks, or simply check the soil and only provide a small drink if it is completely dry several inches down. The goal is to prevent the roots from turning to dust, not to promote any growth.
My light needs are reduced but not eliminated. While I am leafless, I still benefit from being in a bright location, as some light energy can be absorbed through my stems. However, direct, intense summer sun is not necessary. A spot with bright, indirect light is perfect. Most importantly, you must completely cease all fertilization. My system cannot process nutrients while dormant, and any fertilizer applied will simply accumulate in the soil, leading to a toxic buildup of salts that will harm my root system. Let me rest without any nutritional input.
Late winter, just before you see signs of new buds swelling, is the best time for any major pruning. However, during the heart of winter, you can lightly tidy my vines, removing any clearly dead or excessively tangled growth. This improves air circulation around me. Even in my dormant state, I can be vulnerable to pests like spider mites and aphids, especially if my environment is too warm and dry. Please inspect my stems periodically for any signs of infestation. A gentle wipe down or a spray of insecticidal soap can manage any small issues before they become severe.
