With the arrival of winter, temperatures in the northern regions gradually drop, and the plants on the balconies face severe challenges. How to help these green plants safely survive the cold winter has become a focus of many northern balcony plant enthusiasts. This article will provide you with a series of practical strategies for overwintering plants on northern balconies, helping you protect these green companions.
Understanding the Basic Principles of Overwintering Plants on Northern BalconiesIn the process of overwintering plants on northern balconies, understanding the following basic principles is crucial:
1. Insulation: Ensure that plants can resist the cold during winter to avoid frostbite.
2. Wind protection: Prevent plants from being attacked by strong winds, causing leaf and branch damage.
3. Water control: Reduce the watering frequency appropriately to prevent root rot due to excessive moisture.
4. Fertilization: As plants grow slowly in winter, reduce the amount of fertilizer appropriately to avoid over-fertilization.
Specific Measures for Overwintering Plants on Northern Balconies1. Move indoors
For cold-sensitive plants such as succulents and ornamental foliage plants, they should be moved indoors to overwinter. Before moving them indoors, trim the plants to remove withered leaves and weak branches, reducing nutrient consumption.
2. Increase insulation measures
For plants that cannot be moved indoors, such as vines and trees, the following insulation measures can be taken:
(1) Coverage: Use materials like straw mats or burlap to cover the plants, reducing heat loss.
(2) Set up windbreaks: Build windbreaks around the plants to reduce wind attack.
(3) Spraying water: On sunny days, spray water on the plants to increase the humidity of the surrounding air and lower the temperature.
3. Control watering
Plants grow slowly in winter and the watering frequency should be reduced appropriately. Generally, watering once every 10-15 days is sufficient. Watering should be done on sunny days, avoiding nighttime or rainy weather.
4. Fertilization
Plants grow slowly in winter, and the amount of fertilizer should be reduced. A low-nitrogen, high-phosphorus and potassium compound fertilizer can be used every 20-30 days.
5. Cleaning and pruning
Plants tend to accumulate dust and debris in winter and need to be cleaned regularly. Weak branches should be pruned to promote plant growth.
Points to Note for Overwintering Plants on Northern Balconies1. Pay attention to indoor ventilation
After moving plants indoors, ensure indoor ventilation to prevent plants from getting sick due to poor air circulation.
2. Avoid direct sunlight
Although the sunlight is weak in winter, it is also necessary to avoid keeping plants in a dark environment for extended periods. When placing plants indoors, ensure they receive adequate scattered light.
3. Observe the growth of the plants
During the overwintering period of northern balcony plants, observe the plants' growth regularly and address any issues promptly.
Overwintering plants on northern balconies is not difficult. By mastering certain methods and techniques, you can help your green plants safely survive the cold winter. This article hopes to provide useful references for your journey of overwintering plants.