Winter potted flower management points
41022 Green Tea,Green Tea 41022,Azawad Tea Alfata Ould Mohamed,Zahra Tea Nouveau Soleil Sarl DIYAS development Limited , https://www.diyastea.com
In the early winter, it's a crucial time for potted flowers to accumulate nutrients and develop flower buds. Proper care during this period directly impacts their ability to survive the cold and bloom in the following season. Here are some essential steps to take:
Winter is a critical time for many flowering plants, and temperature control is key. Depending on the plant’s growth habits, you should decide when to move them indoors. For dormant plants like roses, pomegranates, and lotus, place them in a room where the temperature ranges from 3°C to 5°C. Plants that remain active during winter, such as begonias and carnations, should be kept in a greenhouse with temperatures between 8°C and 10°C. For those that go into a light dormancy, like sweet osmanthus, gardenia, and camellia, a cold greenhouse above 5°C is ideal.
Fertilizing is also important during this time. After applying fertilizer, make sure to water the soil thoroughly. You can also use foliar sprays to provide additional nutrients. Common top-dressing fertilizers include 0.5% urea, 1% superphosphate, and 0.3% potassium sulfate. These help ensure the plants receive the necessary nutrients for strong growth.
As temperatures drop, the risk of pests and diseases may decrease, but it's still important to monitor and manage them. Focus on preventing issues like leaf spot, aphids, red spider mites, and leaf miners. A good solution is to mix 50% carbendazim at 800 times dilution with 40% dimethoate at 1500 times. Alternatively, you can use 50% wettable powder of a special fungicide at 600 times and 40% phosphorothioate at 1000 times. Regular spraying helps keep your plants healthy and disease-free.
Pruning is another essential task during early winter. For plants like roses, hibiscus, poinsettia, and kumquat, prune them during dormancy to encourage more shoots, flowers, and fruits. Remove any dense or overlapping branches, as well as diseased or damaged ones. For ornamental shrubs like redwood, perform heavy short cuts near the main branches to promote new growth and maintain an attractive shape.
Lastly, make sure the soil remains loose to allow proper root respiration. Compacted soil can hinder growth and even lead to plant death. Loosen the soil regularly to maintain aeration and support healthy development.
By following these steps, you can help your potted flowers thrive through the winter and prepare for a beautiful bloom in the next growing season.