Dwarf Crepe Myrtle – In A Pot – Desert Climate – How Do I Water It With Winter Coming?

Question

I live on the edge of the Mohave Desert. I purchased some Crepe Myrtle cuttings (dwarf) for a container on my balcony. They did great in our 120 degree summer months with me watering them daily. But now, the temp. is dropping 90s daytime and 70s nighttime. This will gradually decrease until our two months of winter when it can sometimes go below 40 at night. I wonder if you can advise me about watering them during these temperature changes – considering they are in a pot. Thank you in advance for any advise you can give me. Best regards, Joy Marchant

Answer 1

As the temperature decreases, so will your watering. The rule of thumb will be to allow the soil to dry out, down to at least 2 or 3 inches in between waterings. In the dormant season, you can allow it to dry even further. The only way to know will be to test with, either, your finger or a moisture meter.

Here are some articles that will help:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/testing-moisture-in-plants.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/crepe-myrtle/tips-to-grow-crepe-myrtles-in-containers.htm