How to care for goldfish plants in winter so they survive the winter safely
The goldfish plant (Nematanthus gregarius) is a tropical flowering species native to Costa Rica and Panama. It is usually grown in greenhouses or cultivated 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 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 during winter in our country? Qinnong.com brings you the winter care methods for the goldfish plant below.
1. Soil requirements in winter
The goldfish plant's soil requirements 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 absolutely not contain calcareous material.
2. Temperature requirements in winter
The goldfish plant's tropical growing environment determines that it can adapt to high-temperature, high-humidity conditions, and therefore it is not cold-tolerant. Its usual suitable growing temperature is 18°C-26°C. To overwinter safely, the temperature must be kept above 15°C. As mentioned above, if the temperature drops below 10°C, its leaves will begin to turn yellow and dry out, and they will very easily fall off.
3. Light
This plant likes shady places and cannot tolerate direct, blazing sunlight, but it can be placed in a shady spot with diffused light and good ventilation. During its winter dormancy, you can give it a dry, cool place, which can promote the differentiation of its flower buds. However, if you appropriately increase light for it before it blooms in winter, its flowering quality will improve accordingly.
4. Water
This plant itself needs a great deal of water for growth, but in winter it has a short dormant period, during which you can water it less, as long as the soil in the pot is kept slightly dry. When its winter flowering period arrives, at that time you need to replenish the water it requires, and the soil in the pot should be kept correspondingly moist. 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. Winter care precautions
1. The soil must be loose and absolutely must 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 absolutely must not be applied. Fertilizer application can be scheduled before flowering and after the flowers fade.
The above are the measures for winter care of the goldfish plant brought to you by Qinnong.com. Have you learned them? Apart from the special winter care, in spring, summer and autumn the goldfish plant should mainly be protected from direct sunlight, especially during the high-temperature weather of summer. Although the goldfish plant grows in tropical regions, it still prefers to grow in the shady environment of the tropics.