How to maintain desert roses in winter
As a representative of tropical succulent plants, desert roses are deeply loved for their unique bottle-shaped stems and gorgeous flowers. When the cold current strikes, how to make this "desert beauty" survive safely becomes the key to conservation. This article will systematically analyze the five core maintenance points from temperature control to pruning skills to help your desert roses survive the cold winter smoothly. Winter environment regulation and temperature management When the temperature drops to 15℃, you should enter the house in time to maintain the winter temperature above 10℃. Attention should be paid to avoid direct heating in the northern heating area. Double-layer insulation method can be used in non-heating areas in the south: the outer layer is covered with a transparent plastic bag, the inner layer is filled with foam particles, and ventilation is 2 hours a day. In light-intensive winter, direct light should be guaranteed for 6 hours per day, and the use of fill light can be extended to 10 hours. Turn the flowerpot 180° every week to receive even light and avoid the plant from deviating from the crown. The southbound bay window is an ideal place to place it, keeping a distance of 20cm from the glass to prevent low-temperature frostbite. The key points of daily maintenance are scientific and water control. The "three observation methods" are used to judge the watering timing: observe the pot soil (3cm dry), stems (slightly wrinkled), and leaves (soft and drooping). The watering amount is 1/4 of that in summer. It is recommended to slowly pour it through with warm water at 25℃ along the edge of the basin at noon to avoid stagnant water causing rotten roots. Nutritional management Stop fertilization from December to February of the following year, and phosphorus and potassium fertilizers can be applied before winter to enhance cold resistance. If new buds sprout, replenish liquid potassium fertilizer diluted by 2000 times once a month, and combine with foliar spraying potassium dihydrogen phosphate solution (concentration 0.1%). Winter pruning techniques Carry out stereotyped pruning in early December: retain 3-5 main branches of the main trunk and remove crossing branches, pest and insect branches. Apply charcoal powder to the incision to prevent infection, and place it in a ventilated place for maintenance after trimming. The dormant bud points are retained so that strong new branches can germinate in the coming year.
Through the five-dimensional maintenance system of temperature, light, moisture, nutrients and pruning, desert roses can not only safely survive the winter, but also accumulate energy to bloom in spring. Remember the maintenance mantra of "low temperatures must be protected, strong light is the key, and water conservation control is the foundation" to let your desert roses bloom year after year.