Overwintering guide
How to overwinter orange-flowered matucana
Winter watering
Water only occasionally — enough that the rootball never dries out completely, no more. No feeding until spring growth begins.
The mistake that kills orange-flowered matucana in winter
Bringing orange-flowered matucana into a warm living room. Too much winter warmth forces weak, pale growth that collapses when it goes back outside — cool and bright beats warm and dim.
More orange-flowered matucana care
Overwintering orange-flowered matucana — FAQ
Does orange-flowered matucana need to come indoors for winter?
Orange-Flowered Matucana is hardy to roughly USDA zone 9 — winter lows around -7°C. That means it takes cool conditions but not a real freeze. Orange-Flowered Matucana will take cool conditions but not a hard freeze, so the aim is a frost-free winter rather than a warm one. An unheated greenhouse, porch, conservatory or bright garage all work well. Keep it cool, bright and on the dry side, and it will hold steady until growth restarts in spring.
When should I move orange-flowered matucana for winter?
Move under cover before the first hard frost; back outside after the last spring frost.
How often should I water orange-flowered matucana in winter?
Water only occasionally — enough that the rootball never dries out completely, no more. No feeding until spring growth begins.
What kills orange-flowered matucana over winter?
Bringing orange-flowered matucana into a warm living room. Too much winter warmth forces weak, pale growth that collapses when it goes back outside — cool and bright beats warm and dim.