How Do Plants Survive Winter? An Analysis of Common Overwintering Methods
When winter arrives, many plants develop dead branches and root rot due to low temperatures, insufficient water and other conditions, and some simply wither and die, so extra care is needed during overwintering. So how do plants survive winter?
1. Shedding leaves
What we commonly see in winter is plants standing there bare and leafless, and that is because the drop in temperature causes changes inside them, which makes them start to lose their leaves. As the weather gradually turns cold and the daylight hours shorten, they begin to send the nutrients in the leaves to the branches, prompting the leaves to start falling, and the plant enters dormancy. After winter sets in, the plant “takes out” the nutrients it stored earlier, and with the action of enzymes breaks these nutrients down, the purpose being to increase the concentration of the plant's cell sap so that it will not be easily damaged by freezing.
2. Watering appropriately
Just like us humans, plants undergo physiological changes at every moment. In winter, plants reduce their energy consumption and strengthen their cold resistance. Take conifers, for example: they can survive at minus 40 degrees, which shows their extremely strong survival ability. In winter, we find that many plants outdoors wither, but do not mistakenly think the plants have died; this is their way of protecting themselves from frostbite in winter. The withering of plants is a sign of reduced water absorption, lowering the water content in their bodies.
3. Keep plants away from vents, radiators or drafty windows
Most plants are not lovers of extreme temperature changes, so try to avoid placing them in spots with large temperature swings. The best approach is to put them in a sunny, airy spot near a window, and remember, they must not be placed directly on the windowsill.
4. Keep the temperature stable
Although the suitable temperature varies with different varieties, most plants can grow well at around 18 to 25 degrees Celsius during the day, and will not be frostbitten by a slight drop in temperature at night.
5. Let every part of the plant receive light evenly
To prevent uneven growth, remember to rotate the flowerpot a quarter turn at regular intervals; this ensures that every part of the plant gets sunlight.
6. Prune plant branches in time
When plants do not get enough light, they will frantically grow thin, long branches; this phenomenon is called: leggy growth. Only by promptly spotting and pruning away such branches and some withered leaves can the plant store up more nutrients to grow vigorously in spring.
7. Watch out for infection
Keep an eye out for pests, especially when you move outdoor plants indoors. Spider mites are one of the most common pests. They are especially dangerous in winter, when dry and dusty environments drive them to bite and suck moisture from the leaves of indoor plants.
Wiping the leaf surfaces with soapy water can do a good job of preventing plants from being infected by pests and diseases, or making your own pesticide from ingredients in the kitchen is also a good method.