As a Ligularia plant, I am known for my bold, often dramatic foliage and my preference for cool, moist, and shady conditions. The winter season indoors presents a unique set of challenges for my survival and thriving. Here is what I need from you during the colder months.
While I dislike freezing temperatures, I am not a tropical plant. I originate from climates with distinct seasons. The constant, warm temperatures of a typical heated home are exhausting for me. I require a period of cooler dormancy to rest and reset for vigorous growth in the spring. Please find me a spot where the temperature is consistently cooler, ideally between 45-60°F (7-15°C). An unheated but frost-free room, a cool porch, or even a spot away from heating vents and radiators in a cooler part of your home is perfect. This chill signals to my roots that it is time to slow down.
As my growth slows to a near halt in my cool location, my water requirements drop significantly. My soil must be kept barely moist, never soggy. Overwatering is the single greatest threat to me in winter, as my roots are not actively drinking and will quickly rot in cold, wet soil. Please check my soil moisture by feeling it about an inch below the surface. Water me only when that top inch feels dry to the touch, and do so sparingly with room-temperature water. I would much rather be slightly too dry than drowning.
Even though I am resting, I still require bright, indirect light. My leaves, though perhaps fewer, are still conducting minimal photosynthesis. A north-facing window or an east-facing one is ideal. Please do not place me in intense, direct winter sun, as my leaves can still scorch. Furthermore, the dry air produced by indoor heating systems is very stressful for me. It causes my leaf edges to turn crispy brown and makes me vulnerable to pests like spider mites. To help me, please increase the humidity around me. You can achieve this by grouping me with other plants, placing my pot on a pebble tray filled with water (ensure my pot is not sitting in the water), or by running a humidifier nearby.
I have no need for fertilizer during the winter. My system is not actively growing and cannot process those nutrients. Feeding me now will only lead to a harmful buildup of salts in my soil, which can damage my delicate root system. Please withhold all fertilizer from late autumn until you see signs of new growth in the spring. As for my leaves, some may yellow or die back naturally. This is part of my process. Gently remove these spent leaves to keep me tidy and to prevent any potential for disease, but expect that I will not look my most lush until the growing season returns.
