How to Help a Fortune Tree Survive the Winter
As a common indoor foliage plant, the winter care of fortune trees often causes headaches for plant enthusiasts. Issues such as yellowing leaves and frozen roots frequently occur, not only affecting the ornamental value but also threatening the health of the plant. This article will systematically analyze winter care essentials, from environmental control to disease prevention.
Ⅰ. Winter Survival Guide for Fortune Trees
Threefold Temperature Control Protection
When the temperature drops below 15°C, fortune trees enter a dormant state. It is recommended to adopt gradient insulation: ① Maintain 10-15°C during the day to promote dormancy ② Use insulating film at night to prevent frostbite ③ Keep away from doors and windows to avoid through drafts. In regions with heating, maintain a distance of more than 2 meters from the radiators to prevent high-temperature dehydration.
Golden Rules for Scientific Water Control
Winter watering follows the 'Three Observation Principles': observe the soil (top 3cm dry), leaves (slightly drooping), and temperature (above 12°C). It is recommended to use the bamboo stake test method: insert a bamboo stake into the potting soil at a depth of 1/3, leave it for 2 minutes, and if there are no moist traces, water can be supplemented. The best time for watering is at noon on a sunny day, and the water temperature should match the ambient temperature.
Coordinated Management of Light and Ventilation
In winter, ensure 4 hours of direct sunlight daily, and you can use the 'pot rotation lighting method': rotate the pot clockwise by 45 degrees weekly. For ventilation, implement 'intermittent aeration': open the windows for 30 minutes at noon daily, and use a circulating fan to promote air circulation, but avoid direct cold wind hitting the plant.
Ⅱ. Diagnosis and Response Plan for Yellowing Leaves
Water Imbalance Type Yellow Leaves
Manifested as uniform yellowing of old leaves and soft leaf stalks. Yellowing leaves due to waterlogging often come with root rot, requiring immediate removal from the pot, pruning of rotten roots, and soaking in carbendazim before changing to new soil. For drought-induced yellowing leaves, adopt the 'soaking pot revival method': soak the pot in water for 15 minutes, then drain excess water.
Nutrient Deficiency Type Yellow Leaves
New leaves turning yellow with green veins are typical symptoms of iron deficiency, which can be treated by spraying a 0.1% ferrous sulfate solution monthly. General yellowing requires补充 nitrogen fertilizer, with soybean water (diluted 1:50) or slow-release fertilizer recommended. After fertilizing, loosen the soil to promote absorption.
Environmental Stress Type Yellow Leaves
Cold injury yellowing starts from the leaf edges and turns brown, requiring gradual warming and avoiding sudden changes. Yellowing leaves in air-conditioned rooms are often due to insufficient humidity, which can be remedied by the 'bagging humidity increase method': cover the plant with a transparent plastic bag and vent for 2 hours daily for 1 week to see improvement.
Through systematic environmental control and precise disease diagnosis, it is entirely possible to help fortune trees survive the winter safely. It is recommended to conduct 'Three Checks' monthly: check the back of the leaves (for pests), the potting soil (moisture), and the base of the stem (rot), promptly identify problems, and adjust the care plan to keep your fortune tree green and vigorous.