How to care for Madagascar jasmine (Stephanotis) in winter? Key points on whether it can overwinter outdoors and stopping fertilization
It is well known that the most suitable temperature for Madagascar jasmine is 20-31 degrees, yet in most parts of China the winter temperature does not fall within this range, so can Madagascar jasmine overwinter outdoors in winter? The answer is yes. Caring for Madagascar jasmine in winter is slightly different from other seasons, but besides knowing the cultivation methods and precautions for Madagascar jasmine, we also need to know how to care for Madagascar jasmine in winter.
How to care for Madagascar jasmine in winter
Although we know the minimum temperature for growing Madagascar jasmine should not be lower than 10 degrees, because too low a temperature may cause frost damage to Madagascar jasmine, every winter we find the temperature often drops below 10 degrees, so many people want to know whether Madagascar jasmine can overwinter outdoors in winter. The answer is that if you know how to care for Madagascar jasmine in winter, it can be kept outdoors.
1. Temperature control
Since we cannot control the outdoor temperature in winter, but we can adjust the indoor temperature, controlling the temperature is necessary to let Madagascar jasmine overwinter safely. For friends in the north, how should Madagascar jasmine be cared for in winter? It is best to place it indoors in a ventilated spot.
If you are in the south, whether to keep Madagascar jasmine indoors or outdoors in winter depends on the situation, because the temperature difference between indoors and outdoors in the south is not obvious, so can Madagascar jasmine overwinter outdoors in winter? The answer is yes, but only if reasonable measures are taken. For example, in Hangzhou, Madagascar jasmine can be placed outdoors, but it should be wrapped in several plastic bags with air holes left in them to prevent it from freezing.
2. Control of watering
1. Due to changes in climate conditions, the watering methods used in spring, summer and autumn are not suitable for winter. How should Madagascar jasmine be cared for in winter? Watering is very crucial. Note that the amount of water in winter should be kept as small as possible; it is fine to water only after the potting soil has dried out, and if the potting soil has not dried at all, do not water.
2. Do not water too much each time, and do not let water accumulate in the pot. If you find the potting soil is slightly moist, you should stop watering and can place it in the light for care.
3. Fertilization control
1. We know that when studying why Madagascar jasmine leaves turn yellow, one of the reasons is fertilization, so how should Madagascar jasmine be fertilized in winter to avoid yellowing leaves? The answer is that fertilization should be stopped in winter.
2. Madagascar jasmine can enter dormancy in winter, and at this time we should stop fertilizing to let Madagascar jasmine enter dormancy. If we continue to fertilize, the leaves and roots and stems of the plant will grow, and instead there will be a possibility of frost damage to the new branches and leaves.
4. Light control
Although Madagascar jasmine enters dormancy in winter and grows slowly, it still cannot do without light at this time, so how should Madagascar jasmine be cared for in winter? It can be placed in a place with relatively sufficient light, such as a balcony or windowsill.
How should Madagascar jasmine be cared for in winter
Winter care for Madagascar jasmine
Temperature management
Madagascar jasmine is a plant that prefers a warm growing environment with sufficient light;
So if Madagascar jasmine is to overwinter safely, the ambient temperature must be kept at least above 10°C, so as to create a warm growing environment for Madagascar jasmine and help it grow normally in winter as well.
Fertilizer and water management
When watering Madagascar jasmine, water it sufficiently, but do not let water accumulate. However, note that in winter, unlike watering in other seasons, when caring for Madagascar jasmine in winter you should reduce the amount of watering, and water only after the potting soil has dried; if the potting soil is not dry at all, do not water;
Also, when watering, as soon as the potting soil is slightly moist you can stop watering, and then place it in a spot with light for care;
Madagascar jasmine does not need fertilization in winter, because Madagascar jasmine needs to go dormant in winter to protect the plant from frost damage. Once fertilized, it will make the leaves, roots and stems of the plant grow, and this will cause frost damage to the new parts, so it cannot overwinter safely.
Therefore, fertilization should be stopped in winter, and resume gradual fertilization after the temperature rises.
Light management
The growth of Madagascar jasmine absolutely cannot do without light, so when caring for it in winter, it can be placed on a sunny balcony or windowsill.
This will ensure sufficient light, but also note that if the plant is found to have soft or yellowing leaves during this process, it should be immediately shaded appropriately, and it should not be exposed to direct sunlight all the time. Also note
How to grow Madagascar jasmine: cultivation methods for Madagascar jasmine
Madagascar jasmine is a vine in the dogbane family (Apocynaceae), with soft but tough stems that spiral upward along a support. Its pink, trumpet-like flowers are large and upright. So how do you grow Madagascar jasmine? Let's look at the cultivation methods for Madagascar jasmine.
1. Cultivation methods for Madagascar jasmine
1. Soil: Madagascar jasmine has strong adaptability to soil. The potting soil needs good drainage, and a substrate with added amendments and humus is best. For indoor pot cultivation in the north, leaf mold plus a small amount of coarse sand can be used; in the south, pond mud, peat soil and river sand can be mixed in a 5:3:2 ratio.
2. Light: The most suitable light intensity for Madagascar jasmine is 10000-20000 Lux.
3. Temperature: Madagascar jasmine is not cold-tolerant. The suitable growing temperature is 20°C-30°C, and growth is inhibited when the outdoor temperature is below 7.5°C. In the Beijing area, it must be kept indoors for cold protection over winter; it may lose leaves during overwintering and bloom again in spring.
4. Humidity: If the soil for growing Madagascar jasmine is too dry, it affects fertilizer absorption; if too wet, it causes root death or other diseases. Especially in winter, watering needs to be reduced to keep the soil dry.
5. Watering: Increase watering for Madagascar jasmine in summer to avoid the soil drying out completely. Outdoor cultivation should not be planted in overly low-lying places, to avoid water accumulation causing oxygen deficiency and poor growth. The most suitable relative air humidity is 70-80%, and it should be below 50%.
6. Fertilization: Madagascar jasmine needs reasonable fertilization during the vigorous growth period in spring and summer. A balanced slow-release fertilizer can be applied to the potting soil, then a liquid fertilizer applied once every 7-10 days. Generally, in spring apply a compound fertilizer with a balanced ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, such as 15-15-15, twice a week, about 150ppm each time; in late spring or early summer, to promote flowering, a fertilizer with a higher phosphorus content such as 10-20-10 at 150ppm can be added.
7. Pruning: Madagascar jasmine can be pruned after transplanting and after the flowering period. If it is a one- or two-year-old plant, light pruning can be done; pruning is mainly for shaping. For old perennial plants, heavy pruning can be done in spring to promote the sprouting of strong new branches.
8. Pest and disease control: The diseases of Madagascar jasmine are mainly leaf diseases such as leaf spot and leaf blight caused by Cercospora, and root rot and stem rot caused by Fusarium. In the early stage of the disease, fungicides such as carbendazim and mancozeb can be used for control. Red spider mites and whiteflies are the most harmful insect pests, and imidacloprid and similar products can be used for control.
The above iscultivation methods for Madagascar jasmineintroduced. Madagascar jasmine has large, brightly colored flowers and is very suitable as an indoor potted plant, adding a touch of fresh atmosphere to the home.