First, you must understand that I am not dying; I am entering a period of dormancy. In my natural tropical habitat, the days grow shorter and the light less intense during the colder months. This signals my internal biological clock to slow down. My growth will dramatically reduce, and I may even shed some fronds. This is a normal, energy-conserving strategy. Please do not mistake this necessary rest for a decline in health and overwater or over-fertilize me in a panic. Your goal is not to make me grow lushly through winter, but to help me survive it in a stable, resting state until the longer, brighter days of spring return.
My two greatest needs during this time are the right light and protection from temperature extremes. Place me in a spot where I can receive bright, indirect light. An east-facing window is perfect, or a few feet back from a south or west-facing window. Direct winter sun through a pane of glass can still scorch my delicate fronds. Crucially, keep me far away from both cold drafts (like leaky windows or exterior doors) and hot, dry air sources (like heating vents, radiators, or fireplaces). These sudden temperature fluctuations are extremely stressful and will cause me to drop my leaves rapidly. A consistent, cooler room temperature between 55-65°F (13-18°C) is ideal for my dormancy.
My water needs change profoundly in winter. With slower growth and cooler temperatures, my soil will take much longer to dry out. Overwatering is now your greatest threat, as it will quickly lead to root rot, a fatal condition. You must let the top inch of my soil dry out to the touch before watering me again. This might mean I only need a drink every 1-2 weeks, or even less. Use lukewarm water and water thoroughly until it runs from the drainage holes, but never let my pot sit in a saucer of standing water. I also crave humidity, which is scarce in heated homes. Please mist my fronds regularly, group me with other plants, or place my pot on a pebble tray filled with water to create a more humid microclimate around me.
You must completely stop feeding me. Fertilizer is a growth stimulant, and I am trying to rest. Any nutrients applied now will not be used and will instead accumulate in the soil, potentially burning my sensitive roots and disrupting the soil chemistry. My dormant system cannot process it. Resume feeding me only when you see signs of new growth in the spring. Furthermore, the dry indoor air makes me vulnerable to pests like spider mites. Please inspect the undersides of my fronds frequently. If you see fine webbing or speckling, a gentle spray of water in the shower or an application of insecticidal soap will help keep these invaders at bay.
