As a jasmine plant, my need for sunlight changes in winter. The sun is less intense and the days are shorter, but I still require abundant bright, indirect light to maintain my health. Please place me near a south-facing window where I can bask in the maximum available daylight for at least 4-6 hours. This light is my energy source; without it, my growth will become weak and spindly as I stretch desperately towards any light source, and I will certainly not have the strength to produce my precious buds. Remember to rotate my pot a quarter turn weekly to ensure all my leaves receive equal light and I grow evenly.
This is perhaps the most delicate aspect of my winter care. My metabolic processes slow down significantly in the cooler, dimmer conditions, meaning I drink far less water. Overwatering is your greatest enemy and mine—it will lead to root rot, a fatal condition where my roots suffocate and decay. Please allow the top 2-3 inches of my soil to dry out completely before giving me a thorough drink. Simultaneously, I despise the dry air produced by heating systems. It parches my leaves, causing them to turn brown and crispy and making me vulnerable to spider mites. To keep my foliage lush, please increase humidity around me. You can use a pebble tray filled with water (ensure my pot is not sitting in the water) or run a humidifier nearby.
I thrive in cooler temperatures during my winter rest period. An ideal range for me is between 50-60°F (10-15°C). This cooler environment is crucial as it signals to me that it is time to enter a period of dormancy, conserving my energy for the next growth season. Please keep me away from both cold drafts from leaky windows and direct blasts of hot, dry air from radiators, vents, or fireplaces. These extreme temperature fluctuations are very stressful, causing me to drop my leaves. A consistent, cool spot is the greatest gift you can give me in winter.
You must understand that I am essentially sleeping. During this dormant phase, I am not actively growing and therefore have no need for fertilizer. Feeding me now would do more harm than good, as the unused salts will build up in my soil and can chemically burn my delicate, resting roots. Please withhold all fertilization from late autumn until early spring. As for pruning, a major trim would be a shock to my system. You may lightly pinch back the occasional leggy stem to maintain my shape, but save the significant pruning for early spring, just as I begin to show signs of new growth and am strong enough to handle it.
My weakened state in winter makes me more susceptible to infestations. Spider mites adore dry, warm conditions, and scale insects can also become a problem. Please inspect my leaves—especially the undersides—regularly for any signs of these pests, such as fine webbing, tiny moving dots, or small, bump-like insects. Early detection is key. If you find any, isolate me from other plants immediately and treat me with an insecticidal soap or neem oil solution. Keeping my leaves clean by gently wiping them with a damp cloth also helps prevent problems and allows me to breathe better.
