The name hardly suggests it. But spice bark actually stands for a large, magnificently flowering plant. The bright yellow flowers will not survive the winter. But will there be new ones next year? With proper overwintering of the plant definitely!
While it's freezing and snowing outside, the spice bark lolls in the warmth
Check in early
Spice bark, which is so called because it smells so nice and spicy, doesn't like frost. Please spare her temperatures below 5 degrees Celsius. If the tendency goes in this direction, it is an unmistakable request to the owner: lift the pot and take it to where the frost cannot follow!
your comfort zone
Freedom from frost alone is not enough to keep the spice bark healthy and vital through the winter. The place of stay offered to her should have the following characteristics:
- Temperature values between 5 and 10 degrees Celsius
- never below 2 degrees Celsius
- without major temperature fluctuations over the course of the day
The spice bark can hibernate warmer, but that entails risks. Warm temperatures favor lice, which can considerably weaken or even kill the plant.
incidence of light
A bright room is recommended. However, the spice bark is tolerant and patiently endures even in dark places. Then the temperature should also be in the lower range. Can the foliage, which then becomes ever lighter, be regarded as a disadvantage? Rather no.
We will hardly visit the cool winter quarters to admire the spice bark. With the withered flowers, their attractiveness has also been lost anyway. The fact that it will soon be completely leafless in the dark quarters even benefits the plant. This increases your chance of avoiding aphids.
tips
Collect fallen leaves promptly to prevent rot in the pot.
Cut back as needed
The spice bark does not have to enter the winter quarters with a new cut. However, if it is necessary for reasons of space, you can use scissors without hesitation and cut them to fit. Otherwise, only cut back the plant by about a third in the spring.
maintenance
Out of sight, out of mind? Please do not! Even in winter, the spice bark must not be forgotten. Even if its growth is dormant for the time being, it still needs water to compensate for the loss through evaporation. Water with small amounts every two weeks. If you stand there with bare branches, even less water is needed.
You can leave the fertilizer pack in the cupboard during the winter.
Late excerpt
After the Ice Saints, there is no longer a risk of freezing. If the weather cooperates, the spice bark can be put outside earlier. However, if late frosts threaten unexpectedly, they have to retreat again.