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