How to Care for Bowl Lotus in Winter
Regarding the experience of growing bowl lotus in winter and how to care for them, a detailed introduction is provided below.
How to Care for Bowl Lotus in Winter
Most bowl lotuses have an optimal growth temperature of 20-35℃. They are relatively susceptible to frost. The plants have the strongest cold resistance when in a dormant state, and the weakest during the reproductive period. Generally, bowl lotuses enter a dormant state in November and need to be moved to an indoor ventilated area for care, with moderate watering. Wait until the following Qingming Festival to turn the pot, remove the rhizomes, and replant.
Is Bowl Lotus Afraid of Frost?
Most bowl lotuses have an optimal growth temperature of 20-35℃. They are relatively susceptible to frost. The plants have the strongest cold resistance when in a dormant state, and the weakest during the reproductive period.Bowl Lotus Winter Care Methods
1. Prevent Cold and Keep Warm: After November, bowl lotus plants enter the dormant period. We need to move the potted bowl lotus indoors for care, placing it in a ventilated area. Bowl lotuses are delicate and must be protected from drafts. Keeping the room temperature around 10℃ is sufficient. If it drops below 5℃, cover the plant with a bag to keep it warm and uncover it when the temperature rises.2. Moderate Watering: During the dormant period, bowl lotuses do not require much water, but the potting soil should not be dry. If it is too dry, the plant can rot easily.3. Light Requirement: Bowl lotuses enjoy ample sunlight, but during the winter, when the plants are in a dormant state, they do not require much light, whether or not there is sunlight. However, it is best to place them in a bright area with light.4. Fertilization Requirement: After winter, bowl lotuses generally do not need additional fertilizer. How to Care for Bowl Lotus in Winter to Make It More Vigorous: Bowl lotuses can survive without sunlight during their dormant period, but the potting soil should not be dry, as contact with air can cause the rhizomes to rot. Bowl lotuses are aquatic plants and cannot be without water even during their dormant period. Therefore, after moving indoors, ensure the pot is filled with water, and check regularly for water shortages, replenishing with water similar in temperature to the existing water in the pot at noon. After November, bowl lotuses gradually enter the dormant stage and usually do not require additional fertilizer. If the current year's growth shows thin stems, small flowers, pale color, or weak plants, apply a winter fertilizer, such as potassium dihydrogen phosphate solution diluted 600 times. At home, organic-rich water with additions like horse hoof slices, eggshells, hair, and nails can be used, diluted 4-5 times with clean water and poured into the bowl. Adding winter fertilizer can enhance the cold and disease resistance of bowl lotuses and promote healthy root growth, reducing the occurrence of diseases and pests.How to Prevent Bowl Lotus from Freezing to Death in Winter: To keep bowl lotuses safe during winter, the simplest method is to place them indoors where they won't freeze (even a little bit of ice is fine). During the overwintering period, avoid sudden changes in room temperature. If the room temperature is below 5℃ for an extended period, cover the pot with plastic film and uncover it when the temperature rises. When spring comes and the temperature is suitable, they will naturally sprout. It is important to keep the potting soil moist and watered even in winter. If water is lacking, add it promptly, preferably in the warmer afternoon, using water that has been pre-sunbathed to keep the potting soil and water temperatures consistent. Can Bowl Lotus Be Exposed to Sunlight in Winter? If you're worried about the plant being hurt by frozen soil, it's best to keep it in a well-lit indoor area. On sunny days with warm temperatures, you can move the potted bowl lotus outside to bask in the sun. How to Keep Bowl Lotus Alive in Northern Winter:1. Insulation: The temperature in northern regions is very low in winter. To prevent the plants from freezing, move the bowl lotuses indoors for insulation before winter, keeping the indoor temperature around 10℃.2. Light: Bowl lotuses enjoy sunlight and have high light requirements for growth. In winter, it's best to place them in a sunny area for full-day care, as more sunlight is beneficial for their winter growth.3. Watering: Bowl lotuses are aquatic plants, and during the dormant period in winter, their water requirements decrease, so watering should be controlled to keep the soil moist, and watering should be done after noon when the temperature rises.4. Fertilization: Additionally, bowl lotuses have reduced nutrient requirements in winter, so to avoid fertilizer damage, stop fertilizing the plant during the overwintering period. Generally, a small amount of phosphorus and potassium fertilizer can be applied before winter to meet the plant's growth needs.
Winter Care for Bowl Lotus to Bloom More: It is difficult for bowl lotuses to bloom in reverse season during winter, unless indoor temperature and lighting are well controlled, which may result in blooming. Since this is their resting period, and the bowl lotus is dormant, waking them up to grow leaves and bloom is a difficult task and can be harmful. It's best to grow them when the weather warms up in spring. Soak the seeds in April, and they will bloom in June; plant the rhizomes in February or March, and they can bloom by the end of May or early June. In the north, planting in April or May, with good varieties and adequate fertility, can bloom until October.Points to Consider When Keeping Bowl Lotus in Winter
Bowl lotuses are delicate and easily damaged by frost. In winter, move the pot to a sunny indoor area and add a small amount of water every week. Wait until the following Qingming Festival to turn the pot, remove the rhizomes, and replant.The above introduction on how to care for bowl lotuses in winter is hoped to provide flower enthusiasts with some knowledge about flowers.