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