Don't panic when the winter pothos turns yellow
Winter pothos leaf yellowing is a common problem that troubles many plant enthusiasts. As a typical indoor foliage plant, pothos is highly sensitive to changes in temperature, light, and other environmental factors. This article will systematically analyze the causes of yellowing leaves from the dimensions of environmental regulation and maintenance techniques, and provide practical solutions.
Analysis of Core Maintenance Misconceptions
1. Improper fertilization causes metabolic disorders
In the north, the room temperature in winter is often below 15℃, at which time the pothos enters a semi-dormant state, and the root absorption capacity decreases by about 70%. Excessive application of solid fertilizers can cause ion concentration imbalance, which is typically manifested as leaf tip necrosis and malformed new leaves. It is recommended to switch to foliar fertilizer diluted spray, suggesting the use of a special liquid fertilizer with a nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium ratio of 1:1:1, spraying once a week.
2. Insufficient lighting causes chlorophyll loss
Experimental data shows that when pothos is exposed to light intensity below 1000lux for 15 consecutive days, the chlorophyll content will decrease by 35%. The plant should be moved to a distance of 1.5 meters from the south window, using a 40% light-blocking curtain to filter direct sunlight. Special attention should be paid to ensuring at least 4 hours of scattered light daily in winter, and using grow lights to supplement for 2 hours daily.
3. Improper water management causes root rot
In winter, the transpiration rate decreases to 1/3 of that in summer. It is recommended to use the bamboo stake test: insert a bamboo stake into the potting soil to a depth of 2/3, wait for 2 minutes, and then pull it out. Watering should be done only when the tip is slightly moist. If root rot has occurred, soak the roots in a 0.8% solution of carbendazim for 20 minutes and replace the growing medium with a new one containing 30% perlite.
Implementation of Systematic Maintenance Plan
It is recommended to establish a maintenance log to record daily changes in temperature and humidity. Use smart pot monitors to keep real-time track of key parameters such as EC value and pH value. Combined with monthly watering of ferrous sulfate (0.2% concentration), it can effectively prevent iron deficiency chlorosis.
By implementing temperature zoning management: maintaining 18-22℃ during the day and not lower than 12℃ at night; combined with the use of air humidifiers to maintain 60% humidity, pothos can still keep its leaves shiny in winter. When yellow leaves are found, trim and apply wood ash for disinfection promptly to avoid nutrient consumption.