Overwintering guide
How to overwinter phragmipedium longifolium
Winter watering
Cut watering right back — phragmipedium longifolium 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 longifolium in winter
Watering on the same schedule as summer. In winter that keeps the roots sodden while the plant is barely drinking, and phragmipedium longifolium rots from the base.
More phragmipedium longifolium care
Overwintering phragmipedium longifolium — FAQ
Does phragmipedium longifolium need to come indoors for winter?
Phragmipedium longifolium 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 longifolium 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 longifolium for winter?
Bring indoors when nights start dropping below about 10°C, ahead of the first frost.
How often should I water phragmipedium longifolium in winter?
Cut watering right back — phragmipedium longifolium 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 longifolium over winter?
Watering on the same schedule as summer. In winter that keeps the roots sodden while the plant is barely drinking, and phragmipedium longifolium rots from the base.