How to Care for Snake Plant in Winter
As a common indoor foliage plant, the winter care of snake plant directly affects its growth in the following year. This article systematically analyzes the three core points of repotting, temperature control, and water and fertilizer management based on the characteristics of low-temperature environments, to help you create a scientific wintering plan.
Four Elements of Snake Plant Winter Care
Timing and Operation of Repotting
Winter repotting has natural advantages: low temperatures inhibit bacterial activity, reducing the risk of root rot by 50%. It is recommended to do this in December, keeping 1/3 of the protective soil, pruning the roots, and then soaking them in a 800x solution of carbendazim for 20 minutes. After repotting, maintain good ventilation, and for the first 5 days, spray water mist instead of watering.
Precise Temperature Control
Maintaining a temperature above 15°C is ideal. When the nighttime temperature drops below 10°C, you can take three layers of protection: inner layer with a thermal bag, middle layer with foam board padding, and outer layer with a simple greenhouse. In northern heating environments, avoid direct exposure to the heater and maintain a safe distance of more than 2 meters.
Water Control Techniques
Use the 'Two-Step Water Control Method': water thoroughly at the beginning of winter to settle the roots, and then water again at the winter solstice to maintain moisture. Monitor the plant's water needs by the leaves: when the outer leaves show slight wrinkles, slowly inject 20°C warm water along the pot wall, controlling the watering amount to 1/3 of the summer's volume.
Nutrition Supply Strategy
Apply slow-release fertilizer granules before November, using the 'hole application method' to evenly bury 8-10 granules around the pot. From December, stop fertilizing completely and instead, loosen the soil twice a month, using bamboo sticks to loosen the top 5cm layer to improve root aeration.
Scientifically cared for snake plants can safely overwinter, with a 40% increase in the germination rate of new leaves in the spring. Focus on the temperature threshold and the critical point of water, combined with regular observation, the plant's resistance will significantly increase. It is recommended to establish a care log to record environmental parameters and changes in the plant's condition.