What are the Three Friends of Winter? Detailed explanation of their meanings and care methods

When the ancients recited poetry and composed prose, they usually mentioned three plants: the pine tree, the plum blossom, and bamboo. These three plants each have different meanings, and they were also symbols used by those great ancient poets and lyricists of their own fervent aspirations to serve the country but being unable to do so, as well as seeing the motherland dominated by powerful factions, corrupt and incompetent, while they themselves remained honest throughout their lives. Take the pine tree, for example: its trunk is straight, symbolizing a spirit of strength and unyieldingness, one that cannot be brought down by hardship.

In The Analects there is the line, "Only when the year turns cold do we know that the pine and cypress are the last to wither." The plum blossom is also a theme that many poets and lyricists loved to recite, because the plum blossom mostly blooms in the cold winter; after many plants have withered and fallen, the plum blossom stands proudly in the cold wind, displaying a spirit that fears no power and forges bravely ahead. Because of its upright posture, bamboo has always given people a feeling of elegance and solitary self-appreciation; it is not only one of the Three Friends of Winter, but also one of the Four Gentlemen.

So these three kinds of plants can be cared for in our courtyards or on our balconies. So how should we care for them?

1. Pine bonsai

Because pine trees grow relatively large, we can reduce their size and then care for them; this is pine bonsai. Pine bonsai must not be allowed to accumulate standing water, because too much standing water prevents the roots from breathing normally and causes the leaves to turn yellow. Those who are able can apply fertilizer appropriately, generally suitable from August to October, which can keep the pine bonsai evergreen.

2. Plum blossom

Plum blossoms like a moist environment, so during the growing period we can water them a little more, but note that standing water should not be allowed to form. They bloom a lot in winter, so we need to watch whether the surface of the potting soil has dried out completely; once it has dried completely, water thoroughly in one go. When first planting, we can put some base fertilizer at the bottom of the pot, which helps the growth of the seedlings. During the growing period, apply fertilizer once at the beginning of the month and once at the end of the month, so that the plum blossom has enough nutrients to bloom in winter.

3. Bamboo

We can also care for bamboo in a pot. We can care for bamboo in the form of water culture, placing it in a vase in a way similar to the care of lucky bamboo. If it is potted, it can be watered every day, but there must not be standing water either. Placing it in a corner of the living room or in the study is a very good choice.

Dear gardening friends, do you all know about the Three Friends of Winter now? If you want to care for one of them, you can also give it a try at home.