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