Growli

Overwintering guide

How to overwinter cryptocoryne crispatula var. balansae

Verdict
Bring indoors
When
Bring indoors when nights start dropping below about 10°C, ahead of the first frost.
Hardiness
Cryptocoryne crispatula var. balansae is hardy to roughly USDA zone 18. That means it will not survive frost and needs to come inside.

Winter watering

Cut watering right back — cryptocoryne crispatula var. balansae 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 cryptocoryne crispatula var. balansae in winter

Watering on the same schedule as summer. In winter that keeps the roots sodden while the plant is barely drinking, and cryptocoryne crispatula var. balansae rots from the base.

More cryptocoryne crispatula var. balansae care

Overwintering cryptocoryne crispatula var. balansae — FAQ

Does cryptocoryne crispatula var. balansae need to come indoors for winter?

Cryptocoryne crispatula var. balansae is hardy to roughly USDA zone 18. That means it will not survive frost and needs to come inside. Cryptocoryne crispatula var. balansae 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 cryptocoryne crispatula var. balansae for winter?

Bring indoors when nights start dropping below about 10°C, ahead of the first frost.

How often should I water cryptocoryne crispatula var. balansae in winter?

Cut watering right back — cryptocoryne crispatula var. balansae uses far less while growth slows, and cold, wet compost is the usual cause of winter root rot. Stop feeding until spring.

What kills cryptocoryne crispatula var. balansae over winter?

Watering on the same schedule as summer. In winter that keeps the roots sodden while the plant is barely drinking, and cryptocoryne crispatula var. balansae rots from the base.