The ideal temperatures in a greenhouse for overwintering potted plants are above 5 °C, but they vary considerably depending on the type of plant. The exotic species hibernate optimally if the interior is divided into several climate zones in which the plants are not too dense.
Container plants should be moved to the greenhouse in good time in autumn
First and foremost, the potted plants should be placed in a protective greenhouse in good time before the first frost. Since there are usually different varieties, a compromise has to be found in terms of temperatures that do justice to all plants as best as possible. Your greenhouse for overwintering potted plants should be at least frost-free, which would be ideal continuous heating between 5 to 8 °C. Some particularly sensitive plants, such as the hibiscus, even need around 12 °C during their natural dormant phase.
The greenhouse equipment for winter guests
If the house only has a simple glass cover, additional insulation, for example with a bubble wrap, is recommended for better heat supply. Sufficient ventilation options must also be ensured, if necessary via one Forced ventilation using a fan, especially when the potted plants are fairly close together. On days with intensive solar radiation, external or internal shading is also helpful, which not only protects against extreme light exposure during the hibernation, but also keeps heating costs within limits. Some examples of the climatic conditions that a greenhouse should offer for overwintering potted plants:
| name of the plant | recommended temperature (°C) | lighting conditions |
|---|---|---|
| African Lily | 8 to 10 | bright |
| begonia | 10 to 15 | dark |
| boxwood | cool, around 0 °C | bright |
| dahlias | Frost free | dark |
| citrus plants | 8 to 10 | bright |
| gladiolus | Frost free | dark |
| laurel | just above 0 °C | bright |
| Lantana | 8 to 10 | bright |
| freesia | around 15 | dark |
| gentian | Frost free | bright |
Caring for potted plants during the winter
Basically, your winter guests need very little water and hardly any additional nutrients until well into February. Only when you notice that the crumbly soil is beginning to loosen at the edge of the pot do you carefully put something on the root. This is different with the tropical species, which also need to be moderately watered and fertilized during the winter months. From March, however, the water requirement for all tub plants will be slightly higher, as budding will slowly start again. Particularly important: Pay regular attention to one while the potted plants are overwintering possible pest infestation and the usual plant diseases and remove dead plant parts regularly.
tips
Depending on the frost hardiness of the plants, start by clearing out the varieties that have not yet sprouted. When frost is no longer to be expected from mid-May, all potted plants can be relocated outdoors.