What Causes Rose Leaves to Fall in Winter
When the roses on the windowsill wither one by one in the cold winter, the heart of every rose lover tightens. As the favorite ornamental plant of gardening enthusiasts, winter rose maintenance requires special techniques to keep the leaves green. Today, we will interpret common issues in potted rose winter care from a professional perspective.
Falling Leaves Due to Insufficient Light
Light Demand Characteristics
Roses are strong sun-loving plants and need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily in winter. It is recommended to place them in a south-facing bay window in the North China region and to avoid areas with building shadows in the Yangtze River Delta region. If old leaves turn yellow and fall off, the plant should be moved immediately to a sunny area, and new leaves will sprout in 7-10 days.
Freezing Damage Due to Sudden Temperature Drop
Critical Temperature Control
When the ambient temperature falls below 8°C, the rose roots stop absorbing (S-Y) components. It is suggested to use a double-layer insulated greenhouse or indoor constant-temperature equipment to maintain the optimal growth temperature of 15-18°C. In the northern region, a 3cm layer of pine bark mulch can be placed on the surface of the potting soil for insulation, while the southern region needs to regulate day and night temperature differences.
Imbalance in Water Management
Accurate Watering Techniques
In winter, it is recommended to use the "weighing pot method" to determine moisture content, and water when the weight of the pot reduces by 1/3. Use warm water at 25°C to slowly water around the pot edge to avoid stimulating the roots with cold water. In the Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai regions, maintain a watering frequency of 10-15 days/interval, while in northern heating rooms, it should be reduced to 7 days/interval.
Precautions for Fertilizer Application
Nutrition Supply Plan
From December to February of the following year, the application of nitrogen fertilizer should be suspended, and potassium dihydrogen phosphate (diluted 1500 times) can be supplemented once a month to enhance cold resistance. If symptoms of fertilizer damage appear, immediately flush the roots with water for three consecutive times or replace the soil with new nutrient soil containing 30% river sand.
By systematically adjusting light, temperature, water, and nutrition, it is entirely possible to keep roses lush in winter. It is recommended to check the plant status every weekend, record data such as leaf color and soil moisture, and establish a dedicated maintenance log to help your roses safely survive the cold winter.