Overwintering guide
How to overwinter echinodorus cordifolius
Winter watering
Cut watering right back — echinodorus cordifolius 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 echinodorus cordifolius in winter
Watering on the same schedule as summer. In winter that keeps the roots sodden while the plant is barely drinking, and echinodorus cordifolius rots from the base.
More echinodorus cordifolius care
Overwintering echinodorus cordifolius — FAQ
Does echinodorus cordifolius need to come indoors for winter?
Echinodorus cordifolius is hardy to roughly USDA zone 15. That means it will not survive frost and needs to come inside. Echinodorus cordifolius 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 echinodorus cordifolius for winter?
Bring indoors when nights start dropping below about 10°C, ahead of the first frost.
How often should I water echinodorus cordifolius in winter?
Cut watering right back — echinodorus cordifolius uses far less while growth slows, and cold, wet compost is the usual cause of winter root rot. Stop feeding until spring.
What kills echinodorus cordifolius over winter?
Watering on the same schedule as summer. In winter that keeps the roots sodden while the plant is barely drinking, and echinodorus cordifolius rots from the base.