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