How to spend the winter with tiger thorn plum
As a thorny flower that is popular among flower lovers, the maintenance of tiger thorn plum in winter requires special attention. This plant native to Africa is sensitive to low temperatures. When the temperature is below 10 ° C, growth will stagnate. If it is not properly maintained, it may easily lead to wilting of branches and leaves or even death of the entire plant. This article will provide you with a detailed analysis of the key skills for overwintering of Tigerthorn Plum from three dimensions: environmental control, cold-proof measures, and water and fertilizer management. 1. Environmental control strategies 1.1 Differential management between north and south. It is recommended to move indoors before the frost falls in the northern region and choose to place it on the south-facing window sill to ensure direct light for more than 4 hours a day. When the indoor temperature is lower than 15℃, a thermohygrometer can be placed next to the plant for real-time monitoring, and a heating pad can be used to assist in thermal insulation if necessary. 1.2 Light intensity controls the weakening of sunlight in winter, and plants should be allowed to receive full sunshine as much as possible. In case of continuous rainy days, use plant fill light at intervals (2-3 hours a day) to maintain the light intensity of 2000-3000 lux to avoid excessive growth. 2. Physical cold-proof measures 2.1 Film wrapping skills In southern China, double protection is needed for outdoor wintering: first wrap the plants with non-woven fabrics, and the outer layer is covered with a PE film with a light transmittance of 80%. It is recommended to turn on ventilation between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. on sunny days to avoid excessive humidity causing mildew. 2.2 Root insulation plan Lay 3 cm thick pine scales or coconut bran on the surface of the basin soil, which can increase the root temperature by 2-3℃. For locally planted plants, piles of straw with a diameter of 30cm can be piled on the foundation to form a miniature insulation layer. 3. Precise management of water and fertilizer 3.1 Scientific control of water cycle Winter watering follows the principle of "watering according to the sky": when it is above 5℃, pour 100ml of warm water (about 25℃) along the edge of the pot every 15 days; completely cut off water at 0-5℃. Use the method of inserting bamboo sticks into pot soil, and replenish water after the bamboo sticks are completely dry. 3.2 The nutrient supply plan adopts the "1+2" cyclic fertilization method: apply 1000 times solution of Huabao No. 2 (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium 10-30-20) once at the beginning of each month, and water once in the middle and late stages. Combined foliar spraying of potassium dihydrogen phosphate (concentration of 0.1%) can enhance cold resistance.
Through the four-dimensional integrated maintenance system of temperature, light, humidity and nutrition, the tiger thorn plum can not only survive the winter safely, but also grow explosively in the spring of the following year. It is recommended to regularly check the stem hardness (healthy plants should be in a lignified state), remove the yellow leaves at the base in time, and maintain environmental ventilation. By mastering these core points, even novices can keep the tiger thorn plum alive in the cold winter.