Ignored my houseplant all winter and it’s still alive?

[gardeningnovice5]

I had a rubber plant that I repotted into a bigger pot last autumn, as the roots were coming through the bottom of the old pot. I used soil specifically for houseplants. From about October I just left the plant alone, and the soil completely dried out. I finally gave it some water today, but whilst it hasn’t grown at all over winter, I can’t believe it’s still alive after months of no water? When I say it’s alive - the leaves are still perky, bouncy and a dark green colour, so I’m assuming it isn’t dead. I’m baffled - how did it survive six months of no water?

Some plants don't seem to need much water when they're not actively growing, and one of the commonest mistakes is overwatering in winter! Maybe the compost had some of that water retaining gel stuff in it?

I'd probably give it a really good soak now - immerse the pot - to properly rewet the dry compost.

I have a rubber plant that I forget to water (thanks for the reminder, I'll do it now!!) and they do seem to be able to cope with drying out quite a lot. Maybe it is their thick rubbery sap or something that protects them.