From our perspective, the single greatest challenge of winter is the radical reduction in light. Outdoors in summer, we bask in long hours of intense, full-spectrum sunlight that fuels our photosynthesis. Indoors, even a bright windowsill is a dim substitute. To survive and avoid becoming leggy, etiolated shadows of our former selves, we require the sunniest window you can provide. A south-facing exposure is ideal. East or west can suffice, but north will almost certainly be insufficient. Without this minimum of 4-6 hours of direct sunlight, our growth will be weak, our stems will stretch awkwardly towards the light source, and we will be unable to produce the energy needed to sustain ourselves, let alone bloom.
Our water needs change dramatically in winter. Our growth slows nearly to a halt due to the lower light levels and cooler temperatures. Consequently, our roots absorb moisture at a much slower rate. The greatest threat you pose to us during this dormant period is kindness in the form of overwatering. Soggy, cold soil quickly leads to root rot, a fatal condition where our roots suffocate and decay. You must allow the soil to dry out more thoroughly between waterings. Check the top few inches of soil; only provide a deep, thorough drink when it is dry to the touch. Proper drainage is non-negotiable—ensure our pots have holes and are never left standing in water.
The transition from outdoors to indoors is a significant shock to our systems. To minimize stress, please bring us inside before your first frost, when nighttime temperatures consistently dip below 45°F (7°C). This gradual cooling helps trigger our natural dormancy responses. Once indoors, we will likely go through an adjustment period. You may see some leaves yellow and drop as we acclimate to the lower light and drier air. This is a normal process of shedding foliage we can no longer support. To help, you can gently trim back the longest stems, which encourages a bushier form and reduces the demand on our compromised energy reserves.
The artificially dry air created by your heating systems is a harsh environment for us. While we are relatively tolerant, low humidity can stress our foliage, leading to crispy leaf edges and making us more susceptible to pests like spider mites, who thrive in dry conditions. You do not need to mist us constantly (which can promote fungal disease), but placing our pots on a pebble tray filled with water can create a localized zone of higher humidity as the water evaporates. Ensuring gentle air circulation around us, perhaps from a nearby fan on low, also helps strengthen our stems and discourages pest infestations.
Please understand that our metabolic processes have slowed. We are not actively growing and therefore have minimal need for fertilizer. Feeding us a high-strength nutrient solution during this time is not only unnecessary but can be actively harmful. The salts in fertilizers can build up in the dormant soil, damaging our delicate root systems and causing chemical burns. We appreciate your enthusiasm for our health, but we require a period of rest. Withhold all fertilizer throughout the late fall and winter months. You may resume a diluted, half-strength feeding regimen only when you observe signs of new growth as the days lengthen in late winter or early spring.
