How to Care for Desert Rose in Winter
In-depth explanation for netizens who are concerned about how to care for desert roses in winter and related gardening experiences about desert rose winter care techniques. Please see the detailed introduction below.
1. Provide indoor care with ample sunlight. Allow the desert rose to receive full-time natural sunlight.
2. Move it indoors to ensure the temperature is above 10°C for overwintering.
3. Water sparingly, only after the soil surface is completely dry to avoid root rot.
4. Apply fertilizer once in late autumn or early winter to enhance cold resistance. Stop fertilizing in winter.
5. Loosen the soil to promote evaporation and prevent root rot.
6. Trim tangled branches appropriately to avoid wound infection.
7. Regularly ventilate and aerate to prevent pest and disease attacks.
In winter, with low temperatures, desert roses are in a dormant state, and care is relatively worry-free. However, in regions with heating in the north, the indoor temperature in winter is high, and the following aspects should be considered for care.
Light and Temperature Requirements
In winter, the desert rose should also be kept on a windowsill with sufficient indoor lighting, but not too close to the glass. More than 6 hours of sunlight per day is beneficial for its growth.
Moreover, since desert roses are not cold-tolerant, they should be moved indoors in late autumn to ensure a temperature above 10°C, helping them to survive the winter. If the ambient temperature changes drastically, anti-freezing measures must be taken, such as covering with a plastic bag or using towels and other items for protection.
Watering Should Be Sparse
Desert roses prefer dry soil environments. With low temperatures in winter, water evaporates slowly, so it's not suitable to water too frequently or excessively to avoid root rot. Once every month or so, water only after the soil is completely dry. In areas with indoor heating in winter, the potting soil should not be too dry to prevent the desert rose's base from becoming soft due to lack of water.
Fertilization Requirements
Desert roses do not require much fertilizer, but a compound fertilizer can be applied after the flowers fade in October to supplement nutrients and help them survive the winter. However, do not fertilize when temperatures are low in winter, and fertilize again in spring when it's warm.
How to Care for Desert Rose in Winter
Regularly Loosen the Soil
Desert roses require loose and well-ventilated soil. In winter, with low temperatures, watering does not evaporate easily, so the soil should be loosened regularly to help with evaporation, ensure soil aeration, and promote root health. It's not suitable to change the soil in winter; this can be done in spring.
Appropriate Pruning
In winter, to maintain an attractive shape, appropriate pruning can be done. After the desert rose flowers fade, the branches may become scattered and can be given simple pruning, but not too heavily, to ensure overwintering.
Pest and Disease Control
In winter, with the desert rose indoors, the environment may have poor ventilation, making it prone to pest and disease infections. It is advisable to open the windows regularly at noon when temperatures are higher to ventilate and increase air circulation to prevent pest and disease attacks. Additionally, apply insecticides and fungicides once a month for prevention.
The above detailed introduction by GreenAddict.net about how to care for desert roses in winter and related winter care techniques for desert roses, have you understood?