Touch-me-not (Scientific name: Plectranthus amboinicus) is a favorite greenery in many households and offices due to its unique fragrance and easy maintenance. With the arrival of winter, the care for touch-me-not also needs to be adjusted accordingly. This article will introduce the winter management methods for potted touch-me-not, helping your beloved plant survive the cold winter with full blooms.
Temperature ManagementWinter is a sensitive period for the growth of touch-me-not, and a suitable temperature is crucial for its growth. The most suitable growth temperature for touch-me-not is between 15-25℃. In winter, touch-me-not should be placed indoors to avoid direct contact with cold air. If the indoor temperature is too low, consider using a heater or warmer to adjust the temperature.
Light ManagementTouch-me-not has relatively low light requirements in winter but still needs sufficient light. It can be placed in a well-lit area indoors, such as near a window. If there is insufficient indoor lighting, a plant growth lamp can be used to supplement the light.
Watering ManagementThe watering frequency for touch-me-not in winter should be reduced to avoid soil becoming too wet. Since the temperature is low in winter, the evaporation rate of water slows down, so watering should only be done when the surface of the soil is dry. When watering, be careful not to splash water on the leaves to avoid leaf rot.
Fertilization ManagementIn winter, the growth rate of touch-me-not slows down, so the frequency of fertilization should also be reduced. A low-nitrogen, high-phosphorus and potassium compound fertilizer can be used once a month. When fertilizing, avoid letting the fertilizer come into contact with the leaves to prevent leaf burn.
Pest and Disease ControlWinter is a high-incidence period for pests and diseases. Regularly check the leaves and stems of touch-me-not. Once pests or diseases are found, take timely measures. Pesticides or agricultural chemicals can be used for control, but be careful not to use chemicals harmful to humans.
Pruning ManagementWinter is a good time to prune touch-me-not. Remove withered and diseased branches to promote plant growth and ventilation. After pruning, use a gardening scissor to even out the cuts and apply an appropriate amount of horticultural glue to prevent infection.
Although the winter management of potted touch-me-not requires attention to some details, as long as you master the key points such as temperature, light, watering, fertilization, pest and disease control, and pruning, your touch-me-not can grow robustly even in the cold winter. Let's take good care of these beautiful green lives and let them flourish in winter.
References:
《Household Gardening Plant Maintenance Manual》, China Forestry Publishing House, 2018 edition.
《Indoor Plant Maintenance and Placement》, Shanghai Science and Technology Publishing House, 2017 edition.