Ficus lyrata, with its unique leaf shape and good air purification ability, has become a popular choice for indoor plants. In the cold winter, the leaves of Ficus lyrata may turn yellow and fall off. Let's talk about how to prune the leaves of Ficus lyrata in winter to help it through a healthy winter.
Why do we prune the leaves of Ficus lyrata in winter?With the decrease of temperature in winter, the growth rate of plants slows down. Pruning the leaves of Ficus lyrata at this time has several benefits:
1. Promote ventilation: Removing some leaves can increase air circulation and reduce the occurrence of diseases and pests.
2. Save nutrients: As plants grow slowly in winter, removing some leaves can reduce nutrient consumption and help plants better survive the cold season.
3. Improve appearance: Timely removal of weak and diseased leaves can help Ficus lyrata maintain good ornamental value.
The best time to prune leaves in winterThe best time to prune the leaves of Ficus lyrata in winter is between December and February of the following year, when the temperature is low and the growth rate of plants is slow, which has less impact on the plants after pruning.
Methods of pruning leaves1. Prepare tools: Before pruning leaves, prepare sharp scissors or pruning shears to avoid unnecessary damage to the leaves.
2. Remove weak and diseased leaves: Observe the leaves of Ficus lyrata and cut off the yellowed, dried, and diseased leaves, making sure to cut to healthy tissue.
3. Remove excessive leaves: If there are too many leaves on Ficus lyrata, you can cut some of them appropriately, retain healthy leaves, and when cutting, pay attention to maintain the symmetry of the leaves to avoid affecting the overall beauty of the plant.
4. Treat the cut: The cut should be smooth to avoid wound infection.
Care after pruning leaves1. Maintain ventilation: After pruning leaves, maintain good ventilation to avoid leaf rot.
2. Control watering: As plants grow slowly in winter, the frequency of watering should be reduced appropriately, keeping the soil slightly moist.
3. Avoid direct sunlight: In winter, the sun is weak. Avoid placing Ficus lyrata in direct sunlight to prevent leaf sunburn.
Pruning the leaves of Ficus lyrata in winter is an important part of ensuring its healthy growth. Reasonable pruning and care can help Ficus lyrata remain vigorous even in the cold winter. During this process, it is important to choose the right time, method, and tools, as well as to strengthen the care after pruning. We hope that the above content can be helpful to you.References:《Household Gardening Maintenance Manual》
《Indoor Plant Maintenance and Decoration》
《Gardening Plant Disease and Pest Control Technology》