How to Grow Winter Daphnes Indoors

Plant winter daphne in a container that has at least one drainage hole in the bottom. This plant does not tolerate poorly drained soils. Use a general purpose potting mix -- never topsoil -- in a container. Ideally, the potting soil will be as close to neutral pH as possible. Peat-based potting soils are acceptable, even though they tend to be slightly acidic.

Place the winter daphne container as close to the window as possible to receive all-day bright, indirect light. Direct sun rays for up to six hours daily in any of an eastern, western or southern window in the United States is fine. Rotate the container 90-degrees every month to prevent the shrub from leaning to the light source or developing into a lop-sided plant.

Water the winter daphne to maintain an evenly moist soil at all times. It is not drought tolerant; it also quickly succumbs to root rot and fungal diseases if the soil is soggy. Allow water to drain completely from the container. Avoid using a drainage basin unless it is immediately poured out so no part of the container base sits in water.

Scatter granules of slow-release, balanced fertilizer -- such as 8-8-8 -- atop the soil in the container in spring and again in midsummer. Follow product label directions to learn about dosage and reapplication of granules, as they slowly erode away. Avoid any acid-forming fertilizers; keep the soil as close to neutral pH.

Relocate the winter daphne to an unheated room or building from late October to early February. This mimics the natural winter dormancy period of the shrub. Ideally, the room will have nighttime temperatures between 20 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit, with daytime temperatures between 45 and 65 F. This plant is evergreen and must have exposure to bright light and even soil moisture during this cool dormancy.

Bring the winter daphne back indoors to the main rooms of the house in early February, to its original location. The flower buds will be plump and soon begin to open. To prolong the flowering season, keep the room cool -- 60 to 70 F at most. Warmer rooms and drying heating vent drafts increase the need for proper watering and can cause premature flowering and a hasty withering. By late April, the houseplant winter daphne may again have regular room temperatures and bright light to continue healthy new leaf and twig growth.