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