How to care for a goldfish plant in winter so it survives the cold safely?
The goldfish plant (Nematanthus gregarius) is a tropical flowering variety native to Costa Rica and Panama, usually grown in greenhouses or as an indoor hanging plant, and it has very high ornamental value. However, because this flower originates from tropical regions, it prefers a high-temperature, high-humidity growing environment. If it is kept below 10°C, its leaves will turn yellow and drop within two days. So how should such a cold-sensitive plant be cared for in winter in our country? Below, Qinnong Web brings you the winter care methods for the goldfish plant.
1. Soil requirements in winter
The goldfish plant's requirements for soil are actually much the same all year round. It prefers soil that drains well, has good air permeability and is slightly acidic. The soil must never contain calcareous material.
2. Temperature requirements in winter
The goldfish plant's tropical growing environment determines that it can adapt to a high-temperature, high-humidity environment, so it is not cold-tolerant. Its usual suitable growing temperature is 18°C-26°C. To let it overwinter safely, the temperature must be kept above 15°C. As mentioned earlier, if the temperature drops below 10°C, its leaves will begin to turn yellow and dry out, and they will easily drop.
3. Light
This plant likes shady places and cannot tolerate direct exposure to sunlight, but it can be placed in a shady spot with indirect light and good ventilation. During its winter dormant period, you can give it a dry, cool place, which can encourage the differentiation of its flower buds. However, if you appropriately increase light before it blooms in winter, its flowering quality will be relatively improved.
4. Water
This plant itself needs a great deal of water to grow, but in winter it has a short dormant period, so you can water it less, as long as the soil in the pot is kept slightly dry. By the time it reaches its winter flowering period, it then needs its required water replenished, the soil in the pot should be kept correspondingly moist, and you must also raise the air humidity for it.
5. Fertilizer
The goldfish plant's flowering period is in winter, so during flowering you can appropriately add phosphorus and potassium fertilizer to supplement the large amount of nutrients it needs for blooming.
6. Notes on winter care
1. The soil must be loose and must absolutely not contain calcareous material. If it contains calcareous material, the soil will be on the alkaline side, which is unfavorable for its growth.
2. When it is about to bloom, fertilizer must absolutely not be applied. Fertilizer application can be scheduled before flowering and after the flowers fade.
The above are the measures brought to you by Qinnong Web for winter care of the goldfish plant. Have you learned them? Apart from the special care in winter, in spring, summer and autumn the goldfish plant must mainly avoid direct sunlight, especially in hot summer weather. Although the goldfish plant grows in tropical regions, it still prefers to grow in tropical shady environments.