The princess flower (botanical name: Tibouchina urvilleana) from Brazil can be cared for all year round in the house like a calla lily, but due to its strong growth it is more common to cultivate it as a container plant. Since the princess flower is very sensitive to frost, a protected winter quarters is necessary for overwintering.
The princess flower cannot overwinter outside
Definitely switch in time
Similar to care, a Tibouchina is not only damaged when the temperature is really below zero, but also at cooler temperatures below 5 degrees Celsius. You should therefore not wait too long in the fall before moving into the house, otherwise irreparable damage may occur to the princess flower. Before hibernating, the plants should not be fertilized for a few weeks and should not be watered too heavily.
The ideal conditions for wintering
A princess flower comes through the winter best if the following general conditions are roughly observed:
- enough daylight
- no waterlogging and economical watering
- high humidity, but like to air occasionally in mild weather
- no fertilization before new growth in spring
- Temperatures between 10 and 15 degrees Celsius if possible
tips
The shrub, which is reminiscent of the violet with its characteristic flowers, should be repotted every year after the winter if possible. The new planter should not be too large, otherwise plant growth will be stimulated, but the number of flowers will tend to be reduced. The rapidly growing branches can be cut back up to 3 times a year.