The ornamental or house hop Beloperone we are talking about is not hardy, it is usually cultivated as a houseplant. There is also the Japanese ornamental hop Humulus japonicus. This is an annual and also not hardy.
The ornamental hop is not hardy
Beloperone, also traded today as Justitia brandegeana, is not at all related to the real hop (Humulus lupulus), they belong to completely different plant families. The inflorescences of ornamental hops, reminiscent of real hop blossoms, have given this plant its name. If the ornamental hop gets a lot of light, then the bracts shine in a rich yellow-reddish brown. You can see them almost all year round.
Where should I overwinter my ornamental hops?
The easy-care ornamental hop can stay in its usual place in the room all winter, but prefers a slightly cooler winter quarters. 15 °C is considered optimal, the acceptable temperature range is between about 12 °C and 18 °C. However, the ornamental hop also likes a lot of light in winter. A dark basement room is the worst winter quarters imaginable.
How do I care for my ornamental hops in winter?
Like many other plants, ornamental hops need less water and no fertilizer at all in winter. The metabolism is shut down and too much is now more harmful than useful. During this time, ornamental hops are also somewhat more susceptible to pest infestation. Therefore, check it every time you water it for spider mites, aphids or similar creatures.
Ornamental hops sometimes lose their leaves in winter, for two different reasons. Either the plant has been watered too much or it is too warm. Limit the watering and/or lower the room temperature a little, then your ornamental hops will certainly recover quickly. In the spring you can then cut the plant back into shape.
The most important winter tips in brief:
- not hardy
- ideal winter temperature: approx. 15 °C
- too warm location in winter damages the shape
- water little, otherwise it will drop its leaves
- Don't let the soil dry out completely
- do not fertilize
- needs a lot of light even in winter
tips
Ornamental hops like to be a little cooler in winter, but need just as much light as in the summer months.