Overwintering guide
How to overwinter african star apple
Winter watering
Cut watering right back — african star apple 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 star apple in winter
Watering on the same schedule as summer. In winter that keeps the roots sodden while the plant is barely drinking, and african star apple rots from the base.
More african star apple care
Overwintering african star apple — FAQ
Does african star apple need to come indoors for winter?
African Star Apple is hardy to roughly USDA zone 11 — winter lows around 4°C. That means it will not survive frost and needs to come inside. African Star Apple 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 star apple for winter?
Bring indoors when nights start dropping below about 10°C, ahead of the first frost.
How often should I water african star apple in winter?
Cut watering right back — african star apple 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 star apple over winter?
Watering on the same schedule as summer. In winter that keeps the roots sodden while the plant is barely drinking, and african star apple rots from the base.