Overwintering guide
How to overwinter cryptocoryne pontederiifolia
Winter watering
Cut watering right back — cryptocoryne pontederiifolia 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 pontederiifolia in winter
Watering on the same schedule as summer. In winter that keeps the roots sodden while the plant is barely drinking, and cryptocoryne pontederiifolia rots from the base.
More cryptocoryne pontederiifolia care
Overwintering cryptocoryne pontederiifolia — FAQ
Does cryptocoryne pontederiifolia need to come indoors for winter?
Cryptocoryne pontederiifolia is hardy to roughly USDA zone 18. That means it will not survive frost and needs to come inside. Cryptocoryne pontederiifolia 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 pontederiifolia for winter?
Bring indoors when nights start dropping below about 10°C, ahead of the first frost.
How often should I water cryptocoryne pontederiifolia in winter?
Cut watering right back — cryptocoryne pontederiifolia 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 pontederiifolia over winter?
Watering on the same schedule as summer. In winter that keeps the roots sodden while the plant is barely drinking, and cryptocoryne pontederiifolia rots from the base.