Common causes of potted plant death in winter and how to care for them
Winter is a special period for plant care. Because temperatures are low at this time, most plants are in a dormant state, and a slight lapse in care can cause plants to die. That is why QinNong.com recently introduced some plants suitable for growing in winter. Today QinNong.com will talk with you again about the causes of death of common winter flowers, as well as the correct care methods.
1. Jasmine
Cause of death 1: Temperature too low
When the temperature (room temperature) drops below 3°C to 5°C, the physiological functions of jasmine are damaged; when it drops below 3°C, the whole plant will die.
Correct approach: If the temperature drops to 5°C to 10°C, move the jasmine indoors to a sunny spot. When the temperature is below 0°C, you can put the flowerpot, bottom included, inside a plastic bag and place it indoors in a cool, dark place, keeping it at 3°C to 5°C, or place it in a sunny spot above 0°C to let it go dormant. Every week, remove the plastic bag to let the plant get ventilation.
Cause of death 2: Potting soil too wet
When the temperature (room temperature) is below 10°C, jasmine is in a dormant state and the potting soil needs less water. If watered too much, the jasmine roots remain in an unaerated condition for a long time and are prone to suffocating to death.
Correct approach: Only when the potting soil turns pale and feels "hard" to the touch should you water at noon.
2. Pothos
Cause of death 1: Watering too much
If the pothos pot has too much water, the leaves will turn yellow and look dull and lusterless, and the roots may even rot, leading to death.
Correct approach: In winter, pothos needs strictly controlled watering, and watering should follow the principle of watering when dry and stopping when wet. Never let water accumulate. Also, in winter some indoor spaces have air conditioning on, which makes the indoor air dry. In this case, you can water appropriately as long as water does not accumulate; a better method is to spray water on the leaves to keep the air moist.
Cause of death 2: Temperature too low
Pothos is a tropical plant and has a certain cold tolerance, but its limit is not high. Generally speaking, the winter temperature should not be lower than 10°C, otherwise it may freeze to death.
Correct approach: We should place the pothos in a sunny spot indoors, or at noon put it on a sealed balcony to let it get some sun. To prevent the pothos leaves from freezing, open the windows as little as possible when the temperature is low.
3. Spider plant
Cause of death 1: Overwatering
Spider plant is a plant that likes a moist environment, but the potting soil should not be too wet; keeping it moist is enough. Watering too much causes root rot.
Correct approach: Spider plant is usually watered about once every ten days in winter. If the air is dry, you can often spray and wash the branches and leaves with clean water.
4. Cyclamen
Cause of death 1: Overwatering
Cyclamen is a plant that likes moisture and fears waterlogging, so it should not be watered too much. Overwatering can cause root rot and death.
Correct approach: Normally water once every one or two days to keep the potting soil moist. Never give it a heavy watering; water only when the potting soil looks dry, and the water temperature should be close to room temperature.
Cause of death 2: Lack of ventilation
Cyclamen likes ventilation. Smoke, dust and stale air will make the petals dry up and wither, but it should not be placed directly in a drafty spot either.
Correct approach: Cyclamen should be placed in a sunny spot such as a window or balcony, and the position of the pot should be changed often. Sufficient light can make the flowers more vivid and the leaves more glossy.
5. Money tree
Cause of death 1: Temperature too low
The money tree is a tropical plant with very strict temperature requirements. If the temperature of the care environment is below 10°C, it will be very difficult for the money tree to get through the winter.
Correct approach: Place the money tree indoors. If there is no heating indoors, you can put a large plastic bag over the money tree to help keep it warm. At the same time, poke a few small holes in it for ventilation. Mainly put the bag on at night; there is no need to put it on during the day.
Cause of death 2: Improper watering
The money tree does not like water, and overwatering can cause root rot.
Correct approach: In winter, be sure to water less. If you can generally keep it at around 10°C, watering once a month is also fine.
In summary, for the plants we grow by hand in winter, the causes of death are nothing more than overwatering and temperatures that are too low. It can be seen that if you want to take good care of plants, you must understand their living habits and must not plant blindly. In winter, you should also do a good job of keeping them warm. Even cold-resistant plants have their cold-tolerance limits; if the ambient temperature is too low, it will also cause them harm, or even death.