A Central European winter is far too cold for a plume, so the colorful flower is usually cared for as an annual. In fact, a Celosia thrives perennial in its tropical homeland. Reason enough to give it a try over the winter. This guide explains how to do it.
Is the plume hardy?
The feather bush (Celosia) is not hardy and does not tolerate temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius well. To overwinter it successfully, it should be placed either in a bright room at normal room temperatures or in a partially shaded location at a cooler 12-14 degrees Celsius.
Celosia chills from 10 degrees Celsius
If nighttime temperatures regularly fall below 10 degrees Celsius in autumn, it will be too cold for your plume on the balcony. A Celosia can only tolerate the minimum temperature of 5 degrees Celsius for a short time. Therefore, put the summer flower away in good time. This is what the winter quarters should be like:
- At normal room temperatures in the brightest possible window seat that is not in full sun
- Alternatively at a cool 12-14 degrees Celsius in a partially shaded, not permanently dark location
If space allows, give your plume a breather in a cool place. The plant turns out to be even more vital and blooming next season.
How to care for the feather bush in winter quarters
The exact light and temperature conditions determine the rhythm of the water and nutrient supply during the winter. Check regularly with your finger whether the surface of the substrate has dried and whether watering is necessary. Flowering continues in a warm location, so fertilize liquidly every 4 weeks. Please clean up the withered flowers as soon as possible to save your Celosia from the strenuous growth of seeds.
As part of a cool, low-light hibernation, the plume sheds its leaves and stops flowering. In this case, remove all entrapped plant parts. In addition, the plant does not receive fertilizer until March. At the beginning of April, accustom the plant to a brighter location and normal room temperatures. At the same time, you resume your nutrient supply.
Tip
The colorful inflorescences of a plume are ideal for drying. When the summer flower is in full bloom, pick off the most beautiful stems and tie them together into small bouquets. When hung upside down in a dark, airy place, the plume flowers dry within 10 to 14 days.