Overwintering guide
How to overwinter african fern pine
Winter watering
Cut watering right back — african fern pine uses far less while growth slows, and cold, wet compost is the usual cause of winter root rot. Stop feeding until spring.
The mistake that kills african fern pine in winter
Watering on the same schedule as summer. In winter that keeps the roots sodden while the plant is barely drinking, and african fern pine rots from the base.
More african fern pine care
Overwintering african fern pine — FAQ
Does african fern pine need to come indoors for winter?
African Fern Pine is hardy to roughly USDA zone 9 — winter lows around -7°C. That means it will not survive frost and needs to come inside. African Fern Pine is frost-tender, so overwintering means bringing it inside and letting it rest rather than pushing it to grow. Move it indoors well before the first frost, give it the brightest spot you have (light levels indoors drop sharply in winter), and keep it away from both cold window glass and hot radiators — the swing between the two does more damage than the cold itself.
When should I move african fern pine for winter?
Bring indoors when nights start dropping below about 10°C, ahead of the first frost.
How often should I water african fern pine in winter?
Cut watering right back — african fern pine uses far less while growth slows, and cold, wet compost is the usual cause of winter root rot. Stop feeding until spring.
What kills african fern pine over winter?
Watering on the same schedule as summer. In winter that keeps the roots sodden while the plant is barely drinking, and african fern pine rots from the base.