Is the foliage of络石 cold-resistant?
This article introduces the cold resistance of络石's foliage and the tips for cultivating it. Let's follow the editor to see the specific content!
Winter always brings a sense of desolation and killing, especially this year, which is a severe winter. Many southern regions have temperatures below zero, and the whole country has entered a mode of "freezing crying." This weather is not simply described as "cold." Today, the editor recommends a beautiful leaf flower for everyone to raise at home in winter. The leaves are colorful and "more beautiful than flowers," easy to look at and care for!
I. Why is the foliage of络石 called a flower?
Also known as 初雪葛 or 斑叶络石, the络石 is a evergreen woody vines plant of the Apocynaceae family. It has a full and beautiful shape with well-developed aerial roots, mostly creepers with strong climbing and germination abilities. It can be cultivated as a hanging flower or used for decorating flower beds and gardens, making it an excellent climber and ground cover plant.
The main ornamental part of the络石 is its leaves. The vines are usually 20~50 centimeters long, with luxuriant branches and leaves. The elliptical to ovate elliptical leathery leaves are opposite, with irregular white or creamy yellow spots. The leaf color changes with the season and light intensity, creating a colorful group of red, pink, pure white, spotted, and green leaves. The leaves are colorful, like clusters of blooming flowers, and very ornamental.
II. The habits of络石
The络石 has a strong vitality and is highly adaptable to the environment. It prefers a warm, humid environment with plenty of sunlight and the optimal growth temperature is 15~25 degrees. It enjoys sunlight but can also tolerate shade, preferring bright diffused light and not long hours of intense sunlight. It favors loose, fertile, humus-rich, and well-draining slightly acidic sandy soil. It can tolerate drought but dislikes waterlogging and has a certain degree of cold resistance. In southern regions, it can overwinter outdoors, while in the north, it needs to be cared for in a greenhouse. Potted络stones generally change the potting soil every 2~3 years, with the potting usually done in spring.
Is the foliage of络石 cold-resistant?
III. Key points for winter care:
The络stone has a robust nature and grows quickly. It is tolerant to pruning, shade, and slightly cold, with relatively relaxed management. When caring for it in winter, the following points can be noted:
1. Pay attention to keeping warm:
Although the络stone has a certain degree of cold resistance and can overwinter outdoors in southern regions, it can tolerate short-term temperatures as low as -5 to -7 degrees. However, the cold resistance of potted络stones is generally poorer than that of ground-grown ones. Moreover, winter temperatures in the north are often below -10 or even -20 degrees. Therefore, it is usually necessary to move them to a warm room in time for care, trying to maintain a room temperature of above 10 degrees. If the room temperature is low, a plastic bag can be placed over the plant to keep warm and prevent frost. The bag can be removed for ventilation and light during the warm noon.
2. Get plenty of sun:
The络stone enjoys a sunny environment, and the leaf color changes with the intensity and duration of sunlight. If kept in a dark room for a long time, it may easily have insufficient light, leading to loose plant shapes, weak and thin branches and leaves, and dull leaf colors, thus reducing the ornamental effect. Moreover, the light in winter is relatively gentle, without the problem of strong sunlight burning the leaves. Therefore, during this season, it is appropriate to increase sunlight exposure and let the plant bask in the sun more. Sufficient sunlight not only promotes photosynthesis and accumulates more nutrients but also enhances the plant's cold resistance, making the leaf color more vibrant, which is beneficial for the plant to survive the winter and improve its ornamental value.