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