Overwintering the vanilla flower is not difficult in itself. But is it hardy and what do you have to pay particular attention to in the cold season to keep the plant healthy?
In a nutshell
- the vanilla flower is not hardy
- a frost-free overwintering is necessary
- a bright location is important
- Controls and care during the winter are crucial
- Preparation of the plant is required
preparation
The vanilla flower is known in botanical jargon as a heliotrope or also as a solstice. It comes from the Peruvian Andes and is therefore not frost tolerant. In preparation for wintering, the plant should be taken into account as early as September to the changed conditions and adapted to the different needs.
This includes:
- Adjust fertilization
- reduce watering
- remove dead plant parts
- Check leaves for pests and signs of disease
Tip: Cultivating the vanilla flower in a pot or planting it with the pot in the bed makes the effort easier in late summer or autumn. The preparation and the bringing into the house are simplified.
time
The solstice must be brought indoors at the latest when the temperature drops to five degrees Celsius. Depending on the region, this can be the case as early as the end of September or as late as October.
location for wintering
In order for the vanilla flower to hibernate well, the chosen location must meet a number of factors. These are:
- Frost free
- good ventilation and sufficient distance to other plants
- brightest area possible
- Temperature between five and ten degrees
The ventilation and the distance between individual plants ensure that pathogens such as fungal spores and pests cannot spread so quickly. However, regular checks are still required. The undersides of the leaves and the soil should also be examined.
Suitable locations include:
- an unheated stairwell
- garage with windows
- well insulated basement with windows
- conservatory
Tip: If there is no suitable location for the vanilla flower in your own four walls, you can also spend the winter in a nursery. Both nurseries and some tree nurseries offer such a service.
maintenance
The vanilla flower also needs adapted care during the winter. It refers to:
- Watch out for temperatures between five and ten degrees
- frequent checks for pests and diseases
- brightness
- regular but little watering
- renunciation of fertilization
Care must be taken, especially when fertilizing and watering. During the winter, the plants cannot absorb any nutrients. Therefore, a fertilizer can, for example, produce chemical burns on the roots or disturb the hibernation of the vanilla flower.
Notice: The warmer the plant is, the brighter the location should be. In addition, the frequency and quantity of water must be increased. In order to achieve a proper hibernation, the temperature should not exceed ten degrees Celsius.
spring
When the vanilla flower can be put outdoors or planted again in spring after wintering depends on the temperatures.
The plant may only be left outside again when frost is no longer to be expected and the temperature is at least five degrees Celsius during the night. In addition, there should be no sudden change.
For the first two weeks it makes sense to put the solstice in a shady and sheltered place. After that, a gradual change of position into more direct sun can take place.
In colder regions, it also makes sense to cultivate the vanilla flower in a bucket. This makes it possible, for example, in late frost to bring the plant indoors if necessary.
frequently asked Questions
Can vanilla flowers also be overwintered outdoors?In regions with a very mild climate and rust-free winters, it may well be possible to overwinter the vanilla flower outdoors. However, for this they must be cultivated in a bucket. Insulation from the bottom and around the planter will help protect the solstice.
How should care be after wintering?When the plant is brought outside again, watering and fertilizing can be increased or taken up again. Changing the substrate is also advisable in order to supply nutrients and, if necessary, to choose a larger planter.
Why are controls so important in winter?The visual checks of the plants are crucial in the winter quarters, since pests or germs can be introduced by individual plants. Due to the small distance between the plants, transmission is very quick and easy. In addition, the vanilla flower can hardly hold its own against weakening during the winter.