Cold weather
Do you know about these? In cold weather, the cultivation of common knowledge about flower planting, starting from three aspects for the indoor cultivation of flowers, the following is a detailed introduction for you.
In winter, low temperatures are not suitable for the growth of most flowers. To ensure the potted flowers survive the winter safely, they need to be moved indoors gradually at the beginning of winter. After moving in, the maintenance measures and placement should consider the characteristics of various flowers.
Temperature: Adjust according to different flowers
In the northern regions, where the winter climate is cold with low temperatures, most flowers from the south need to be moved indoors to spend the winter and adjust the temperature according to the requirements of different flowers. Flowers that prefer high temperatures, such as Milan, Poinsettia, African Marigolds, Begonias, and cacti with fleshy stems, should be placed in a sunny, warm area (20°C to 25°C) near a window. The minimum temperature should not be lower than 10°C. Flowers that prefer moderate temperatures require a winter temperature of 18°C to 22°C, with a minimum of 6°C. Flowers that prefer low temperatures should maintain a temperature of 12°C to 15°C in winter, with a minimum of 2°C. Aquatic flowers, such as lotus, water lilies, water hyacinth, and water chestnut, should have the water drained before frost and move the pots to a cellar or hallway, maintaining a temperature of around 5°C. When the soil is dry, water should be sprayed appropriately.
Additionally, flowers that bloom in winter and spring and those that prefer sunlight and warmth should be placed near windows or on window sills with plenty of sunlight. Evergreen woody plants that can tolerate low temperatures and flowers in a dormant state can be placed in a cool area with diffused light. Flowers that are not strict about light can be placed in a dark, cool place. Fertilization: Reduce or stop as much as possible. In winter, most flowers enter a dormant period, so fertilization should be reduced or stopped. Indoor flowers that do not hibernate in winter, such as evergreens like Sansevieria, Caryota, Rhapis, and Epipremnum, do not require additional fertilizer when the room temperature is around 5°C. Fertilizing at lower temperatures can cause root rot. The main reason is that the root growth of plants is slow in winter, and the fertilizer cannot be absorbed by the roots, which can hinder normal root absorption and lead to root rot in severe cases.
If the room temperature is higher (above 20°C) and it is a winter-blooming flower, a dilute organic liquid fertilizer should be applied once every half month, or a small amount of compound fertilizer can be used. It is best to use odorless "flower-growing tablets" or fermented rice water when growing potted flowers at home to prevent fertilizer odors from polluting the indoor environment.
Watering: Never water flowers directly with tap water
In winter, due to low temperatures, the water for watering flowers should be stored in containers or exposed to the sun, never using tap water directly to avoid excessive temperature differences that can damage the roots. Since the temperature drops continuously in winter, the metabolism of flowers slows down or they enter a dormant state, so potted flowers should be strictly controlled for fertilizer and water. If the potting soil is not too dry, there is no need to water, especially for shade-tolerant flowers, to avoid root rot and leaf fall caused by excessive watering. The best time for watering is around noon. For some shade-loving evergreen flowers, water should be sprayed on the leaves with water close to room temperature to clean dust and aid photosynthesis.
Disease and Pest Control: Pay attention to ventilation indoors
In winter, due to poor indoor ventilation, some flowers often suffer from diseases such as powdery mildew, sooty mold, and pests such as aphids and red spiders. Diseases can be sprayed with 0.1% carbendazim or thiophanate-methyl solution, and pests can be sprayed with 0.2% dimethoate or insecticides. When spraying pesticides, it is best to move the flowerpots outdoors or bury insecticide tablets in the soil. Also, indoor ventilation should be maintained, opening the windows for ventilation in the middle of sunny days throughout the winter to reduce the occurrence of diseases and pests, and promote healthy growth of flowers.
The above-mentioned explanations about cold weather and indoor flower cultivation starting from three aspects, hope to bring a little help to your life!