Cassia Management for Overwintering in the North
Here is an introduction to the common knowledge of raising flowers, focusing on the management of cassia overwintering in the North. This is some very useful experience and knowledge, so it is recommended to save it for future reference!
Winter is here, let's talk about the management of cassia overwintering in the North. Cassia is cold-resistant, generally able to endure temperatures as low as minus five degrees Celsius. However, prolonged low temperatures can cause frost damage to the leaves of cassia. The order of cold resistance among different varieties of cassia is: Golden cassia > Silver cassia > Dan cassia > Four-season cassia. The late silver cassia is the most cold-resistant variety, followed by fast-growing golden cassia and cinnabar dan cassia, while the worst are Yanhong cassia, Rixiang cassia, and hard-leaf dan cassia.
No fertilizer should be given to cassia in winter, and it is especially important to place it in a cool environment. The reason why cassia is prone to die in winter is not because the environment is not warm enough, but because it is not cool enough. In the original habitat of cassia, winter is not warm. Over the years, cassia has adapted to this growth environment, and when it overwinters in warm places, no abnormalities can be seen in the plant at the beginning.
On the contrary, it seems to have forgotten the arrival of winter, sprouting and growing branches, appearing to be thriving. However, this situation cannot last long, as the indoor lighting and temperature changes cannot meet the growth needs as in summer, leading to the phenomena of old leaves falling off, new shoots withering, and the plant dying.
To ensure that the cassia survives the winter safely, it should be placed in an environment of 0-5°C in winter, with ample sunlight; do not apply additional fertilizer and avoid over-wetting the potting soil. After winter, you will find that the cassia you have raised not only survives safely but also grows stronger than those that survive in a high-temperature environment.
The following methods can be adopted for overwintering care in the North:
One is to place the potted cassia directly in a greenhouse with a room temperature not higher than 3°C to promote its dormant state. When placing it, ensure that the cassia receives the maximum sunlight. If it cannot be exposed directly, it should also be placed in a bright area to receive scattered light. Additionally, place the cassia in a relatively stable area, away from air currents to avoid damage from cold air attacks.
The second is to use a plastic bag. Do not start using the bag too early; begin when the minimum temperature reaches -5°C. Use thick transparent plastic film to create a rectangular bag according to the crown width and height of the cassia, enclosing both the flower and the pot, with the bag opening facing up. Secure the pot opening with a fixed frame (using bamboo, wood, branches, etc.) to prevent the bag from touching the leaves and causing frost damage. On warm, windless days, the bag opening can be undone to allow the cassia to receive sunlight and ventilate. In the spring, as temperatures rise, the bag opening can be gradually undone to acclimate the cassia to the outside environment. When the temperature stabilizes around 5°C, the bag can be removed.
“Late out” means that it is better to delay the move of cassia out of the room rather than do it early. Moving it directly outside can easily cause the potted cassia to wither. In April, when the weather warms up significantly, indoor cassia should be gradually moved outside. To help it adapt to the outdoor environment, open the doors and windows every noon to allow air circulation and expose the cassia to more sunlight. Generally, move it out after Qingming Festival. Initially, it is best to move it outside during the day and back inside at night. After a few days of back and forth, the cassia will gradually adapt to the outside environment and can then be placed outside.
Another viewpoint: Regarding the care of potted cassia in the North during winter, the summary is: “No entry in autumn, no frost in winter, late out in spring.” “No entry in autumn” means it is better to delay entering the room rather than do it early. Although cassia grows in subtropical regions of China, it is relatively cold-resistant compared to other evergreen broad-leaved trees. In the late autumn and early winter, as temperatures gradually decrease, cassia can gradually adapt to the low-temperature environment. Entering the room too early means the cassia does not fully utilize its own cold resistance. Generally, the cold fronts in late autumn and early winter do not cause large temperature drops, and after a few exercises, as long as the temperature does not drop below -1°C, leaving the cassia outdoors for 4 to 5 days will not cause problems. Even if the temperature drops to -2°C to -3°C, the cassia will not freeze for a short period. After being exposed to low temperatures, the cassia's cold resistance will significantly improve, leading to sufficient winter dormancy and lush growth the following year.
Winter care in the North can adopt the following methods: One is to place the potted cassia directly in a greenhouse with a temperature not higher than 3°C to promote its dormant state. When placing it, ensure that the cassia receives the maximum sunlight. If it cannot be exposed directly, it should also be placed in a bright area.
The above () provides you with the complete content on the management of cassia overwintering in the North for your comprehensive understanding and reference!