From our perspective, the shortening daylight hours and cooler temperatures signal that it is time to prepare for dormancy, not a time for vigorous growth. We are tender perennials in our native tropical climates, but in temperate zones, we interpret winter as a period of rest. You must understand that we will not flourish as we did in the summer sun. Our goal is not to produce an abundance of new, lush leaves but to enter a state of minimal growth, conserving energy to survive until spring. Expect some leaf drop and a general slowdown; this is a natural and necessary response to the environmental change.
Our most significant challenge indoors is the drastic reduction in light intensity and duration. The weak, filtered light from a north-facing window is insufficient for our high photosynthetic needs. To sustain even basic metabolic functions, we require the brightest light possible. A south-facing window is the absolute minimum. Ideally, you should provide us with supplemental lighting. A simple full-spectrum grow light placed 6-12 inches above our canopy for 12-14 hours a day will mimic the long summer days we crave. Without adequate light, we become leggy, stretching desperately for a photon source, our leaves turning pale and weak until we eventually succumb.
Our water needs change dramatically in our dormant state. With reduced light, our growth slows and our metabolism decreases, meaning we use far less water. Cold, soggy soil is a death sentence for our roots, leading to rot and fungal diseases. You must allow the top inch of our soil to dry out thoroughly between waterings. Always check the soil with your finger before reaching for the watering can. It is far better for us to be slightly too dry than consistently too wet. Ensure our pots have excellent drainage to prevent any water from pooling around our root systems.
The transition from outdoors to indoors is a profound shock to our system. The sudden shift in humidity, light, and temperature is incredibly stressful. To mitigate this, please bring us inside well before the first frost, when nighttime temperatures consistently dip below 50°F (10°C). This gradual approach gives us time to adjust. Furthermore, we are highly susceptible to pests like aphids and spider mites, which can thrive in the stable indoor environment. Before bringing us inside, thoroughly inspect our leaves (top and bottom) and stems. A gentle spray of water or an application of insecticidal soap can help ensure we do not introduce pests to your other indoor plants.
We thrive in warmth and humidity, conditions that are often absent in heated homes during winter. Keep us in a room where temperatures remain consistently between 65-75°F (18-24°C). Avoid placing us near cold, drafty windows at night or directly over heat vents, as both extreme cold and blasts of dry, hot air will cause severe stress and leaf drop. While we appreciate humidity, the average home is quite dry. Grouping us with other plants can create a beneficial microclimate, or you can place our pot on a pebble tray filled with water (ensure the pot is not sitting directly in the water) to increase local humidity through evaporation.
