Indoor Winter Care

• 1). Plant the Mexican oregano in an 8 to 10-inch pot. If you live in zones below 10, you will need to take the Mexican oregano plant indoors during the winter.
  
  
• 2). Take the pot indoors when temperatures dip to 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
  
  
• 3). Place the Mexican oregano plant in a place that receives bright light. A south-facing window works well, or you can use grow lights.
  
  
• 4). Water the Mexican oregano when the soil is dry, but not bone dry. During the winter months, the plant goes into a period of rest or dormancy. To test the moisture content, stick your finger into the soil going about an inch deep. If the soil is dry, water the plant until the water comes out the drainage holes. Make sure that you have a saucer underneath to catch the water, then drain the water out of the saucer so the plant is not sitting in water. Do not mist the Mexican oregano or place it near a humidifier, because this plant does not like humidity.
  
  
• 5). Prune the plant in the late winter so it will produce new growth in the spring. Snip each branch back leaving at least two leaf sets left on the branches.
  
  

Outdoor Winter Care

• 1). Cover the Mexican oregano if the temperature is going to fall below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Protect Mexican oregano plants by covering them with burlap, blankets or a tarp. Weight down the corners of the covering so the wind does not blow the covering away, but don't smash the Mexican oregano. Remember to remove the covering or tarp the next day. Zones 10 or higher can plant the Mexican oregano outdoors and leave it growing outside through all the seasons.
  
  
• 2). Prune the Mexican oregano plant, leaving them 1- to 2-feet tall in the fall. Every other year, or every three years, prune the oldest stems to the ground.
  
  
• 3). Water the Mexican oregano occasionally through the winter months. Stick you finger into the soil, if it feels dry, give it some water. You don't need to give it a lot of water, because during the winter, the Mexican oregano rests.