How to maintain reticulate grass in winter
As a representative of tropical leaf-viewing plants, reticulate grass is very popular among horticulturists for its unique reticulated veins. But in cold winters, this thermophilic plant requires special care to survive the winter safely. This article will systematically analyze the winter survival rules of reticulate grass from temperature control to daily maintenance. Temperature control and warming measures for the core elements of the survival of reticulate grass in winter. Maintaining a constant temperature environment of 13-25℃ is the key to maintenance. When the room temperature falls below 13℃, the plant will stop growing and fall leaves. Below 8℃, irreversible freezing damage will occur. It is recommended to use double-layer insulation: place the flowerpot on a windowsill covered with foam boards, cover the plants with a transparent cover at night, and cooperate with indoor heating to maintain stable temperature. Light control strategy The sunshine intensity in winter is only 1/3 of that in summer, and full sunshine maintenance can be accepted. It is recommended to ensure direct light for 4-6 hours a day, and use the rotating flowerpot method to allow the plants to receive light evenly. When it is found that the leaf color becomes lighter and the leaf spacing becomes longer, the LED plant fill light should be replenished in time to maintain the light intensity of 2000-3000lux. Water and nutrition management Scientific watering method uses the "three observation method" to judge watering timing: observe the dryness of the surface soil, the change in the weight of the basin (reduced by 1/3), and the straightness of leaves. The water temperature needs to be preheated to 20-25℃. It is recommended to use a long-spout pot to slowly water along the wall of the basin to avoid frostbite caused by water on the leaves. Fertilizer ban analysis When the temperature is below 15℃, the absorption capacity of roots decreases by more than 80%. Fertilization at this time not only causes waste, but also causes imbalance in EC value and root burning. Slow-release fertilizers can be applied before winter (October to November) to reserve the nutrients needed for the plants to survive through the winter. Special precautions Environmental management points Keep the air humidity of 40-60% and keep a distance of 1 meter from the plants when using the humidifier. Ventilation should be selected at noon, each time no more than 30 minutes, to avoid direct cold air blowing. Regularly clean up fallen leaves and spray the soil surface with garlic water every month to prevent pests and diseases. Operation taboos state that pot changing, pruning and cuttage operations are strictly prohibited in winter. The recovery speed after root damage is 3-5 times longer than that in normal temperature environment, and the incision is also susceptible to freezing injury infection. If dead leaves are found, 1 cm of petiole should be left to fall off naturally to avoid forced removal and causing wounds.
Through precise temperature control management, scientific light adjustment and strict water and fertilizer control, the reticulate grass can not only survive the winter safely, but also maintain beautiful leaf color. It is recommended to regularly use thermometers and hygrometers to monitor environmental data, and establish a maintenance log to record changes in plant conditions, laying a solid foundation for spring recovery.