Skills for Choosing Flowers Indoors in Winter
A comprehensive introduction to the topic of flower cultivation at home, especially techniques for choosing flowers indoors during winter. Let's take a look together!
December 21st news: As winter approaches, especially in the northern parts of our country, the cold weather makes it rare for citizens to open windows for ventilation, and some may not open their windows at all throughout the winter. With the advancement of modern home living, indoor levels of harmful gases such as carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide are increasing. In such an environment, placing several potted plants at home can not only beautify the living space but also produce oxygen, absorb harmful gases, and reduce dust. Below is an introduction to some flowers that are more suitable for indoor care.
I. Flower Selection
It may not be known to the public that not all flowers are suitable for indoor cultivation, and not all flowers that are suitable for indoor conditions can survive the winter safely. Here are several flowers that are suitable for planting indoors during winter.
Chlorophytum comosum (Spider Plant)
It is renowned as an "air filter" and is very easy to grow, with a market price of just a few dollars per pot. Analysis shows that a pot of Chlorophytum comosum can absorb most of the harmful gases such as carbon monoxide and sulfur dioxide in a room within 24 hours. Also known as the鹤兰 (Crane兰花), its leaves resemble orchids, with an elegant shape, preferring a warm and humid environment, and a suitable temperature range of 15°C-20°C. It does not require high-quality soil and is a typical bedroom flower.
Monstera deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant)
With thick stems and robust leaves, its node shape resembles bamboo and is suitable for placement in a relatively spacious living room. Monstera deliciosa is easy to cultivate, propagate, and manage, and it prefers sandy loam rich in humus. The elliptical holes and splits on its leaf surface can effectively absorb harmful gases such as formaldehyde.
Nephrolepis exaltata (Boston Fern)
Graceful and elegant, with a simple and refined style, placing it in a study adds a touch of charm and vitality. Nephrolepis exaltata can not only absorb harmful gases but also release an aura that kills bacteria, providing unexpected preventive effects against colds and typhoid. Although it prefers a warm and humid environment, it does not require excessive watering and is afraid of drought and cold. The room temperature should not be lower than 10°C.
Cactaceae (Cactus)
Many people believe that cacti can absorb computer radiation, but this is not true. Cacti cannot absorb computer radiation. The golden barrel cactus is one of the best in the cactaceae family, with a棱-shaped stem, large thorn seats, and golden yellow spines that can release oxygen 24 hours a day. It is very easy to manage, requiring only that the winter temperature is kept above 15°C and watered with a mist every few days.
II. Flower Care
Room Temperature Control
Due to the weakened intensity of sunlight in winter, in addition to effective frost prevention, flowers should be exposed to the warm sun, with more than 3 hours of sunlight exposure per day beneficial for robust growth in the following year. However, higher temperatures are not necessarily better. Most flowers enter a dormant or semi-dormant state in winter, and if the temperature is too high, physiological activities may occur, leading to the germination of leaf buds, wasting accumulated energy, which is detrimental to growth. Therefore, the temperature should not be allowed to exceed 20°C.
Proper Fertilization and Watering
Flowers have a weaker absorption capacity in winter, and excessive fertilization can harm the roots, making them more susceptible to cold, while the evaporation of water is also reduced. In low temperatures, the growth of flowering plants stops, and excessive watering can impair root respiration, easily leading to root diseases or even root rot and death. Flowers require very little fertilizer and water in winter, just enough to maintain life.
Humidity Adjustment
The winter climate is naturally dry, and with the use of home air conditioners, the air humidity decreases, affecting the growth of flowers. The air humidity for flowers like茉莉 (Jasmine), Monstera deliciosa, and cacti should not be lower than 50%, while for Chlorophytum comosum, Nephrolepis exaltata, and Iris should reach over 60%. When humidity is insufficient, this can be resolved by spraying water.
Prevention of Pests and Diseases
Flowers are prone to diseases in winter, most of which are fungal diseases such as gray mold, root rot, and blight, mainly due to the reduced cold resistance of the plants. Therefore, the key is to enhance the overall cold resistance of the plant, and if necessary, use chemical control measures. As for pests, they are mainly scale insects and aphids, which should be detected and managed early.
The above is a detailed explanation of the skills for choosing flowers indoors in winter, hoping this article can provide you with help in green plant management!