Incense plants are not hardy, on the contrary, they cannot tolerate sub-zero temperatures at all. For this reason, the popular ornamental plants for balconies and terraces are usually only grown as annuals. But they can definitely be overwintered if the conditions are right.
Is the frankincense plant hardy and how do I overwinter it?
Incense plants are not hardy and cannot tolerate sub-zero temperatures. To overwinter them, they must be brought into a bright, frost-free room at at least 10 degrees Celsius and watered sparingly. From March onwards they can slowly get used to warmer temperatures again.
Frankincense plants come from India and are not hardy
The frankincense plant, not to be confused with the frankincense tree, comes from India. There it is never exposed to sub-zero temperatures. It is absolutely not hardy and dies at temperatures around zero degrees.
If you grow incense plants on the balcony, you must overwinter them frost-free, because the sensitive ornamental plant cannot be winterized. Since overwintering is not entirely unproblematic, the frankincense plant is often only cared for as an annual and disposed of in the fall.
How to prepare the frankincense plant for winter
- Cut shoots that are too long
- Look for a bright, frost-free room
- Put away the plant by October at the latest
- water moderately in winter
- do not fertilize
- take them out of winter quarters from March
Since the frankincense plant cannot be winterized, it is always kept indoors over the winter. Keep in mind that the leaves give off a very intense smell that is not for everyone. In this case, look for a frost-free garage or a basement room where temperatures are at least ten degrees.
Water frankincense plants very sparingly in their winter quarters. The root ball should not dry out completely.
The non-hardy frankincense plant is not fertilized at all from September to March.
Continue caring for the incense plant after the winter break
From March onwards, slowly get the frankincense plant used to warmer temperatures and more light again. Carefully increase the watering quantities.
Spring is the best time to repot the frankincense plant. Replace the substrate from the balcony box as best you can. Place hanging basket plants in new soil.
Don't put the incense plant outside right away after winter. At first she should only be taken outside for an hour at a time. Remember that the nights can still be frosty until May.
Tip
For the non-poisonous frankincense plant to grow at all, the ambient temperature must be at least 18 degrees. If it is cooler, the plant's growth stagnates.