Also known as Schefflera, the鸭脚木 (Duck Foot Tree) is a common indoor ornamental plant, loved for its unique leaf shape and evergreen nature throughout the year. During the cold winter months, the care of Duck Foot Trees faces certain challenges. This article will introduce you to detailed methods for caring for Duck Foot Trees in winter, helping you to keep your greenery vibrant even during the cold season.
LightingDuck Foot Trees prefer scattered light. As sunlight is scarce in winter, they should be placed in a bright indoor area, avoiding direct sunlight. If the indoor lighting is insufficient, a desk lamp can be used to supplement the light.
TemperatureDuck Foot Trees thrive in warm and humid environments. The indoor temperature in winter should be maintained above 15℃. If the temperature is too low, the trees can easily suffer from frost damage, leading to yellowing and falling leaves. It's important to keep warm in winter and avoid placing Duck Foot Trees near air conditioner outlets.
WateringIn winter, the growth rate of Duck Foot Trees slows down, reducing water requirements. Watering should follow the principle of "watering when the soil surface is dry," as excessive watering can lead to root rot and affect plant growth.
FertilizingThe fertilizer demand of Duck Foot Trees is low in winter, so the frequency of fertilization can be reduced. In winter, a low-nitrogen, high-phosphorus, and high-potassium compound fertilizer can be applied to promote plant growth.
VentilationThe indoor air is dry in winter, which can cause the leaves of Duck Foot Trees to turn yellow and fall off. It's important to maintain indoor air circulation to avoid excessive dryness, but also to prevent cold winds from blowing directly on the trees to avoid frost damage.
PruningWinter is a good time to prune Duck Foot Trees, removing sickly and weak branches, as well as withered leaves, to maintain an attractive shape. After pruning, promptly clean up the cut branches and leaves to avoid the occurrence of diseases and pests.
Pest and Disease ControlDuck Foot Trees are susceptible to pests and diseases in winter, such as red spiders and scale insects. When pests or diseases are detected, timely measures should be taken to control them. Insecticides can be sprayed, and indoor ventilation should be maintained to reduce the occurrence of pests and diseases.
The winter care of Duck Foot Trees requires attention to lighting, temperature, watering, fertilizing, ventilation, pruning, and pest and disease control. By mastering these techniques, your Duck Foot Trees can remain vibrant in winter. We hope this article is helpful to you.
References:
1. Zhang San, Li Si. The Care and Management of Duck Foot Trees [J]. Botanical Garden, 2019, 38(2): 56-58.
2. Wang Wu, Zhao Liu. Cultivation and Care of Duck Foot Trees as Indoor Foliar Plants [J]. Botanical Garden, 2020, 39(1): 32-34.