Overwintering guide
How to overwinter congo cockatoo impatiens
Winter watering
Cut watering right back — congo cockatoo impatiens 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 congo cockatoo impatiens in winter
Watering on the same schedule as summer. In winter that keeps the roots sodden while the plant is barely drinking, and congo cockatoo impatiens rots from the base.
More congo cockatoo impatiens care
Overwintering congo cockatoo impatiens — FAQ
Does congo cockatoo impatiens need to come indoors for winter?
Congo cockatoo impatiens is hardy to roughly USDA zone 10 — winter lows around -1°C. That means it will not survive frost and needs to come inside. Congo cockatoo impatiens 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 congo cockatoo impatiens for winter?
Bring indoors when nights start dropping below about 10°C, ahead of the first frost.
How often should I water congo cockatoo impatiens in winter?
Cut watering right back — congo cockatoo impatiens uses far less while growth slows, and cold, wet compost is the usual cause of winter root rot. Stop feeding until spring.
What kills congo cockatoo impatiens over winter?
Watering on the same schedule as summer. In winter that keeps the roots sodden while the plant is barely drinking, and congo cockatoo impatiens rots from the base.