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