One of the most stressful parts of winter gardening is wondering: Is my plant just resting, or is it dying? The signs can look similar, but with a closer look, you can usually tell the difference.
🔎 Signs of Healthy Dormancy
Slowed or stopped growth – no new leaves or buds for weeks.
Leaf drop – especially with plants like fiddle-leaf figs or bougainvillea.
Colour change – leaves may look a little duller or lighter.
Roots & stems stay firm – even if leaves look tired.
These are normal and nothing to panic about. Your plant is conserving energy, not giving up.
⚠️ Signs of Decline or Stress
Mushy or blackened stems – often a sign of overwatering or rot.
Foul smell from soil – root rot is setting in.
Crispy, brittle leaves or stems – from extreme dryness or cold drafts.
Complete collapse of structure – when the plant can’t bounce back.
✅ Quick Dormancy Check
Scratch the stem lightly with your fingernail—green tissue underneath means it’s alive.
Check roots by gently loosening soil—white or pale roots are healthy, brown and mushy means trouble.
Observe the timing—if it’s winter, dormancy is far more likely than death.
👉 The rule of thumb: if the base of the plant and roots are firm, your plant is alive. Give it time, and it will rebound once spring light returns.
