How to Care for Hippeastrum in Winter
As a much-loved ornamental flower, the winter care of Hippeastrum directly affects the quality of its blooming the following year. In the cold winter season, the plant enters a dormant period, and the correct care methods can not only help it survive the winter safely but also store sufficient nutrients for the spring blooming. This article will systematically analyze the five core points of Hippeastrum winter management.
One, Cold Prevention and Warmth Management
1.1 South and North Difference Treatment
In areas south of the Yangtze River, the winter temperature is generally higher than 5°C, and the plants can be overwintered outdoors, it is recommended to cover the bulbous part with straw/non-woven fabric; in the north, they need to be moved indoors before the frost, maintaining an ambient temperature of 10-15°C, avoiding direct blowing of the heater.
1.2 Temperature Monitoring Skills
It is necessary to have a thermometer for balcony care, closing the windows at night to prevent cold waves. When the temperature continuously drops below 5°C, it is recommended to build a simple insulation shed, which can be made of PVC pipes and plastic film.
Two, Scientific Water and Fertilizer Control
2.1 Accurate Watering Strategy
Use the "weighing pot method" to determine the watering time, slowly pouring water along the pot edge when the pot soil weight is reduced by 1/3. The water temperature needs to be consistent with the room temperature, with a single watering amount not exceeding 200ml per plant, maintaining the matrix slightly moist.
2.2 Nutrition Supply Plan
From November to the following February, supplement with phosphorus and potassium fertilizer once a month (recommended to dilute potassium dihydrogen phosphate 1000 times), completely stop using nitrogen fertilizer. For potted plants, sprinkle 5-8 slow-release fertilizers, and for ground plants, it is recommended to use decomposed sheep manure granules.
Three, Light and Pruning Management
3.1 Optimization of Photosynthesis
Ensure at least 4 hours of direct sunlight every day, use a rotating tray to adjust the plant by 180° weekly for even light exposure. Artificial lighting is needed during rainy and snowy weather, with an LED plant light 40cm away from the leaves.
3.2 Dormant Period Pruning Standards
Perform shaping pruning in mid-December: retain 3-5 nodes of the main branch, cut off the diseased and weak branches and crossing branches. Apply wood ash to the cut ends to prevent decay, and stop watering for 3 days after pruning to promote wound healing.
Through scientific temperature control, precise water and fertilizer management, and reasonable light and pruning, Hippeastrum can not only survive the winter safely but also accumulate sufficient nutrients. Special attention should be paid to the "dry period" of stopping watering, which should last for 20-30 days, and then gradually increase the watering amount when the spring temperature rises to above 15°C, to wake up the plant and prepare for a season of flowering.