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