Overwinter pampas grass in a bucket - this is how you do it right

Pampas grass indoors requires more maintenance than outdoor pampas grass. In order for it to get through the winter safely, it needs help.

The pampas grass, which comes from South America, is one of our most popular ornamental grasses. Because this beautiful plant can not only be placed directly in the bed, but also cultivated very well in the bucket. If you choose the last variant, you have to consider a few things. In its original environment, pampas grass, for example, is not used to moisture, as the weather there is mostly hot and dry. Accordingly, it is also important when caring for the potted plant that you protect it from too much moisture, especially in winter. Speaking of winter: there are of course a few things to consider when hibernating in a bucket. Here's a little overview.

How to properly overwinter your pampas grass in a bucket

» Location for the pampas grass:

First of all, it is about finding the ideal location for the ornamental grass. In any case, the place must be sunny to partially shaded and, above all, protected from the wind. Therefore, it is best to place the potted plant directly on the house wall. A covered place is ideal, for example, because then no damage can occur from too much moisture.

» Protect the roots of pampas grass from frost:

In a bucket, the roots of the pampas grass are not so well protected from the cold. So you could easily freeze to death in winter. The increased moisture in the cold season can also cause the plant a lot of trouble. To protect the roots from frost in winter, it is advisable to wrap the bucket in bubble wrap. Also place the bucket on a styrofoam plate so that the ornamental grass is also protected from the cold from below. If it gets extremely cold in winter, you can wrap the pampas grass completely in fleece or place a bamboo mat around the bucket. If necessary, you can also place the plant in a cool room. But definitely not in the apartment, because it would be much too warm there.

» Protect pampas grass stalks:

Unfortunately, many plant lovers make the mistake of cutting back the pampas grass in autumn. That canHowever, this can be fatal, because water can then penetrate into the hollow stalks, which can quickly lead to rot. So keep your hands off the secateurs! It is better to tie them together loosely to protect the long stems.

» Pour/fertilize pampas grass in winter:

Even in winter, the ornamental grass needs water. After all, the root ball must not dry out. So water the ornamental grass a little on frost-free days. But not too much, because the pampas grass does not tolerate waterlogging at all. Therefore, a drainage layer of expanded clay or gravel in the lower area of the bucket is always recommended. However, you do not need to fertilize the ornamental grass in winter.