- Frankincense plants come from India and are not hardy
- How to prepare the frankincense plant for winter
- Continue caring for the frankincense plant after the winter break
Frankincense plants are not hardy, on the contrary, they do not tolerate sub-zero temperatures at all. For this reason, the popular ornamental plants for balconies and terraces are usually only grown once a year. However, they can be overwintered if the conditions are right.

Frankincense plants come from India and are not hardy
The frankincense plant, not to be confused with the frankincense tree, comes from India. There it is never exposed to sub-zero temperatures. It is absolutely not hardy and dies at temperatures around zero degrees.
If you grow incense plants on the balcony, you must overwinter them frost-free, because the sensitive ornamental plant cannot be winterized. Since overwintering is not entirely unproblematic, the frankincense plant is often only cared for once a year and disposed of in autumn.
How to prepare the frankincense plant for winter
- Cut shoots that are too long
- look for a bright, frost-free room
- Plant in October at the latest
- water moderately in winter
- do not fertilize
- bring from winter quarters from March
Since the frankincense plant cannot be winterized, it is always overwintered indoors. Keep in mind that the leaves give off a very strong smell that is not for everyone. In this case, look for a frost-free garage or a basement room with temperatures of at least ten degrees.
Only water frankincense plants very sparingly in winter quarters. The root ball should not dry out completely.
The non-hardy frankincense plant is not fertilized at all from September to March.
Continue caring for the frankincense plant after the winter break
From March, slowly get the frankincense plant used to warmer temperatures and more light. Increase the watering amounts carefully.
Spring is the best time to repot the incense plant. Replace the substrate from the balcony box as best you can. Put traffic light plants in new soil.
Do not put the incense plant outside again immediately after the winter. At first she was only to be taken outside for a few hours. Keep in mind that nights can still be frosty through May.
tips
In order for the non-toxic frankincense plant to grow at all, the ambient temperature must be at least 18 degrees. If it is cooler, the growth of the plant stagnates.