From my perspective as a Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae), winter is not a time of death, but a period of deep, necessary rest. I am a tropical plant, hailing from South Africa, and my internal systems are programmed for warm, bright conditions. As the days shorten and temperatures drop, I instinctively slow down my metabolic processes. My growth will halt almost entirely; this is not a sign of distress but a natural survival strategy. I am conserving my energy, drawing it down into my rhizomatous root system to survive the less favorable conditions. Please do not mistake this dormancy for ill health or try to force new growth with excessive water or fertilizer, as this will only harm me.
Sunlight is my lifeblood, and in winter, it becomes scarce. I crave the brightest possible indirect light you can provide. Please move me closer to a south-facing window where the weak winter sun can still reach my large, broad leaves. This light is essential for basic photosynthesis, which I must perform even while dormant to maintain my health and prevent my leaves from becoming weak and leggy as they strain for a light source. Rotate my pot a quarter turn every week to ensure all sides of my foliage receive equal light and I can grow evenly when I resume in spring.
This is the most common way humans harm us during winter. Because my growth has stopped and evaporation is slower, my water requirements plummet. My roots need to breathe, and sitting in cold, wet soil will quickly lead to root rot, a fatal condition. You must allow the top few inches of my soil to dry out completely between waterings. Test the soil with your finger; if it feels moist, do not water me. When you do water, use lukewarm water to avoid shocking my root system and ensure any excess water can drain freely from the pot's holes.
I am extremely sensitive to the cold. Drafts from leaky windows, doors, or air vents can cause significant damage, leading to blackened, curling leaves and stem dieback. My ideal winter temperature is between 55-65°F (13-18°C). Please keep me away from both cold drafts and direct sources of dry, hot air like radiators or heating vents, which will scorch my leaves and leach precious humidity from the air around me. To mimic my preferred humid environment, you can place my pot on a pebble tray filled with water (ensuring the pot is not sitting in the water) or occasionally mist my leaves.
During my dormancy, I have no capacity to process fertilizer. Feeding me now would cause a toxic buildup of salts in the soil, which will burn my delicate roots and compromise my health. Please cease all fertilization from late autumn until early spring when you see signs of new growth. This period of rest is crucial for me to gather strength. Also, keep an eye out for pests like spider mites, who thrive in dry indoor winter air. Regularly wiping my large leaves with a damp, soft cloth not only keeps them dust-free but also helps deter these pests.
