How do you spend the winter?
As the temperature gradually drops, osmanthus bonsai enthusiasts begin to worry: can this auspicious plant survive safely? As a classic bonsai with ornamental value and cultural implication, osmanthus fragrans needs to pay special attention to temperature, light and moisture in winter maintenance. This article will analyze the four maintenance points for you from the practical operation point of view to help you easily create a safe winter plan for osmanthus. Temperature control strategy Indoor wintering standards When the night temperature continues to fall below 5 ° C, it is recommended to move bonsai indoors. The northern region recommends that preparations begin in mid-October, and the Yangtze River Basin can choose to winter on closed balconies with lee and sun. It is ideal to keep the ambient temperature between 0-10 ° C and avoid contact with heat sources such as radiators. Regional differences management Lingnan can wintering outdoors but needs wind protection, while North China must maintain indoor. In special climate years, we need to pay attention to the phenomenon of late spring cold, and we still need to be vigilant during the March warming period. Key points for light management: The necessity of full sunshine should be ensured for more than 6 hours of direct light every day in winter, and the rotating flowerpot method should be used to ensure that all sides receive uniform light. Snow on leaves should be cleared in time after rainy and snowy weather to prevent branches from being crushed. Filling light skills can be assisted by a plant fill light on rainy days. Set it 50cm away from the tree crown and fill the light for 4 hours a day. Avoid sudden changes in light intensity, which requires gradual adjustments. Water control specifications The golden rule of watering adopts the "knocking the pot and listening to the sound method" to judge: a crisp sound means that watering is needed, while a dull sound will make the soil moist. The water temperature needs to be consistent with room temperature. It is recommended to slowly water along the edge of the basin at noon. Humidity balance tips Humidifying trays can be set up in the northern heating environment, and the water surface does not touch the basin bottom. Ventilation needs to be strengthened in humid areas in the south to prevent the growth of mold. The critical period for the nutrient management plan to stop fertilization is from November to February of the following year, and special vigilance will be given to the continued release of slow-release fertilizers. If yellow leaves appear, priority should be given to light or moisture rather than top dressing. In late autumn, phosphorus and potassium fertilizers will be applied in late October to enhance cold resistance. It is recommended to mix bone meal and plant ash 3:1, and the application amount per pot shall not exceed 50g. Cooperate with loosening to improve soil permeability. Advanced protective measures Basin soil protection uses moss to cover topsoil or wrap the basin walls, which not only maintains heat and regulates humidity. Thermal insulation cotton can be temporarily wrapped at extreme low temperatures, but attention should be paid to ventilation and ventilation. Windproof treatment of outdoor overwintering plants requires a windproof barrier to maintain an air circulation space of more than 2 meters. Regularly check the stability of the support frame to prevent falling damage.
Through systematic temperature control, scientific light management, precise water control and reasonable nutrient management, bonsai osmanthus can safely winter. Special reminder for management during the early spring transition period: When the temperature stabilizes above 10℃, it can be gradually moved out of the outdoors, and attention should still be paid to cold prevention and maintenance in the early stage. By mastering these key points, your osmanthus bonsai will surely welcome the New Year with a more luxuriant attitude.