To understand our winter needs, you must first know our origins. We, the Proteas, hail from the sun-drenched, well-drained slopes of South Africa and Australia. Our very being is adapted to mild, Mediterranean-like climates with cool, wet winters but rarely, if ever, freezing temperatures. Our roots are exceptionally sensitive to cold and wet conditions simultaneously. When the soil in our pot freezes, the water within expands, damaging the delicate root hairs that are vital for water and nutrient uptake. Even if the above-ground parts survive a frost, root damage from a frozen pot is often fatal. Therefore, your primary goal is to protect our roots, as they are our lifeline.
Our position during winter is not a matter of convenience but of survival. Moving our container is the single most effective action you can take. An exposed patio or windy balcony is a death sentence. Seek out a microclimate—a small area with a slightly warmer temperature. The south or west-facing wall of your house is ideal, as it absorbs heat during the day and radiates it slowly throughout the night, providing us with precious degrees of protection. A covered porch, eaves, or even a sheltered corner against a building can shield us from biting winds and freezing rain, which can be as damaging as the cold itself. Elevating the pot slightly off the ground using "pot feet" or bricks is also beneficial, as it prevents the drainage hole from sealing against a cold surface and improves air circulation.
Our water requirements change dramatically in winter. We enter a period of slowed growth, and our roots are dormant and vulnerable. The combination of cold, wet soil is our greatest enemy, leading to root rot. You must resist the urge to water us on a schedule. Instead, check the soil moisture deeply before even considering water. The top layer of soil can be deceivingly dry. If the soil is moist to the touch several inches down, do not water. It is far better for us to be slightly too dry than too wet. Water only on a day when temperatures are expected to rise above freezing, and do so in the morning so any excess moisture has time to evaporate before the cold night sets in.
When a hard freeze is forecast, our above-ground structures need direct protection. Our stems and leaf surfaces can suffer frost damage, causing blackening and die-back. Wrapping the entire pot and plant is an effective strategy. Start by insulating the pot itself. Bubble wrap, hessian (burlap), or even an old blanket wrapped around the container will create a barrier against the cold, protecting the root ball. For the foliage, create a tent using frost cloth or a breathable fabric—never use plastic, as it can trap moisture and cause fungal issues or scorch us when the sun comes out. Secure this cover in the evening and remove it during the day if temperatures allow, to permit light and air circulation. This method traps the residual heat radiating from the ground and the protected pot, creating a warmer microclimate around us.
