How does the iron tree survive the winter?
With the gradual decrease in temperature, the winter care of iron trees has become a focus for gardening enthusiasts. As a typical tropical ornamental leaf plant, iron trees are extremely sensitive to low temperatures, and severe cold below zero can cause leaf scorching and even plant death. Mastering scientific cold protection methods can not only protect iron trees from safely surviving the winter but also store energy for the germination of the following spring.
Core Protection Measures for Iron Trees in Winter
Indoor Care Temperature Control
In the northern regions, it is recommended to start indoor transfer in late October, choosing a south-facing balcony or greenhouse for care. Maintaining a constant temperature of 10-15℃ is ideal. When using air conditioners or heaters to assist in heating, it is necessary to keep the air humidity above 40% and avoid direct blowing of heating equipment to prevent leaf dehydration. Rotate the pot 180 degrees weekly to ensure that leaves on all sides receive even light.
Outdoor Wrapping Protection Technique
In the southern region, the "sandwich wrapping method" can be used for outdoor iron trees: first wrap the main stem with straw curtains, then wrap the outer layer with non-woven fabric, and finally cover the outermost layer with a waterproof film. Leave a vent hole at the top and leave a 5cm expansion space when tying with nylon rope. Special attention should be paid to gathering and fixing the pinnate compound leaves to prevent them from breaking due to wind and snow. After wrapping, heap soil 20cm high to form a natural insulation layer.
Light and Temperature and Humidity Adjustment
In winter, it is necessary to ensure more than 4 hours of direct sunlight every day, and the use of supplemental lights can increase chlorophyll synthesis. When caring indoors, open the windows for ventilation for 1 hour at noon to avoid high temperature and humidity causing root rot. By placing wet pebbles in a tray, the local humidity can be increased by 10-15%, while avoiding waterlogging in the potting soil.
Water and Fertilizer Management Precautions
Implement the "dry care strategy" from December to the following February, extending the watering interval to 15-20 days, and water after the potting soil is completely dry for 3 days. Stop using nitrogen fertilizer and apply monopotassium phosphate (diluted 2000 times) once a month to enhance stress resistance. For outdoor plants, you can bury ripe bone meal along the drip line to promote root development.
With scientific and systematic cold protection measures, the survival rate of iron trees in winter can reach over 95%. The key is to grasp the three major points: controlling the temperature critical point, multi-layer protection wrapping, and precise water and fertilizer management. It is recommended to complete the protective preparations 2 weeks before the cold wave arrives, regularly check the integrity of the wrapping materials, timely remove snow and ice, and let the iron trees welcome the warm spring in the best condition.