Does Gardenia Lose Its Leaves in Winter?
The white and fragrant gardenia is deeply loved by horticulture enthusiasts. This evergreen shrub, native to subtropical regions, often raises maintenance questions during the winter. Especially when yellowing and leaf shedding occur, gardeners need to master scientific maintenance methods.
Analysis of the Causes of Leaf Shedding in Winter
Normal Physiological Metabolic Phenomenon
Although gardenia is an evergreen plant, the old leaves will naturally replace each other before winter. It is a normal phenomenon for about 20-30% of the bottom leaves to turn yellow and fall off, which is the physiological mechanism of the plant to store nutrients in response to low temperature.
Impact of Low Temperature and Frost Damage
When the ambient temperature drops below -5°C, the cell fluid freezes, causing the leaves to dehydrate. At this time, the risk of complete defoliation increases, especially for potted plants, which are more easily damaged due to limited root systems.
Key Elements of Overwintering Management
Temperature Gradient Control
In the northern regions, it is necessary to move the plants indoors before the first frost, maintaining an environment of 5-12°C. For ground-planted plants, a windbreak shelter can be set up, and 10cm of soil can be added around the root neck to form an insulating layer. For potted plants in the Yangtze River Valley, it is recommended to use double-layer plastic film protection.
Water Management Techniques
Watering intervals should be extended to 15-20 days in winter, using the "lifting pot method" to judge: when the weight of the potting soil is reduced by 1/3, choose a sunny and warm noon to water thoroughly with 20°C warm water. For ground-planted plants, water thoroughly before they freeze.
Ensuring Light Requirements
Ensure 4 hours of direct sunlight every day, with the best placement being a south-facing window. Continuous overcast and rainy weather can be supplemented with plant grow lights, with a supplement of 2 hours of light at a distance of 50cm from the canopy.
Air Circulation Adjustment
Open the windows for ventilation at noon when the temperature is above 5°C, and set a low-speed circulation fan to promote air circulation. In northern heating rooms, a humidifier should be used to maintain 40% humidity to avoid leaf burning.
Solutions to Special Problems
Does gardenia shed leaves in winter?
If extensive leaf shedding occurs, immediately check if the potting soil is waterlogged. After removing the plant from the pot and pruning the rotting roots, soak them in a solution of 800 times the concentration of carbendazim, and then repot using a new matrix of珍珠岩:peat=1:3.