What Causes the Leaves of Dwarf China Rose to Wither
As a popular potted plant for balconies, the Dwarf China Rose is cherished for its delicate flowers. However, many enthusiasts often encounter issues such as withered leaves and leaf drop during winter. This article will analyze the causes of leaf yellowing from a professional perspective and focus on key points for winter maintenance.
Ⅰ. Three Main Causes of Dwarf China Rose Leaf Drying
1. Soil Compaction Leading to Root Suffocation
The root system of the Dwarf China Rose requires high soil aeration, so it is recommended to change the potting soil every 1-2 years. When the soil pH is >7.5 or becomes compacted, the roots cannot breathe properly, and the leaves will develop withered spots from top to bottom. Improvement plan: Use a mixture of peat soil, perlite, and decomposed leaf soil (5:3:2) as a growing medium, and retain 1/3 of the original soil when repotting.
2. Light Imbalance Causing Metabolic Disorder
In spring and autumn, ensure 6 hours of direct sunlight daily, and in summer, use a shading net to filter 30% of the intense light. Long-term shaded conditions can lead to thin and brittle leaves with yellowing between the veins, while excessive exposure in summer can cause brown burnt edges. It is recommended to use a progressive lighting method, increasing the duration of sunlight by 1 hour each week.
3. Improper Water Management Leading to Physiological Drought
Adopt the "wet and dry" watering method, watering thoroughly when the top 2cm of the potting soil is dry. Excessive drought will cause leaves to curl and wither, while waterlogging can lead to root rot. It is recommended to use ceramic stones at the bottom of the pot and a moisture meter to monitor, maintaining the substrate moisture at 40-60%.
Ⅱ. Comprehensive Guide to Overwintering Care for Dwarf China Rose
1. Key Points for Temperature Control
The safe overwintering temperature for the Dwarf China Rose is between 5-15°C. In northern regions, it needs to be moved indoors before the frost. When the night temperature is <3°C, the leaves will show frost damage with yellowing and falling. It is recommended to use a double-layer insulation method: an outer layer of transparent plastic bags and an inner layer of pine needles covering the potting soil.
2. Three Elements of Winter Care
Ensure 3 hours of scattered light daily, water 1-2 times a month (with water temperature consistent with room temperature), and stop using nitrogen fertilizer while increasing phosphorus and potassium fertilizer (diluted 2000 times and sprayed every two weeks). Avoid direct heat from radiators and maintain about 50% air humidity.
Through scientific care, the Dwarf China Rose can not only survive the winter safely but also sprout new buds earlier in the spring. Remember the maintenance slogan "Loose substrate to control moisture, moderate lighting to prevent frost damage," and you can keep this "blooming machine" in good condition throughout the year.