How to care for fruiting ornamental flowers in winter? A detailed guide to cultivation methods
1. Temperature For cold-sensitive fruiting ornamental flowers, the nighttime temperature should be kept at around 10°C and the daytime temperature at around 15°C, so that the plant's branches and leaves stand upright and the fruit is plump. Such flowers include finger citron (Citrus medica var. sarcodactylis), Ardisia mamillata, and citrus varieties. For cold-hardy fruiting ornamental flowers, because the plants have strong resistance to low temperatures, they usually do not freeze at around 0°C, and they are not strict about ambient temperature, such as goji berry (Lycium chinense), Malus 'Winter Red', pyracantha berries, and thornless Chinese holly (Ilex cornuta).
2. Water Water is an important component of the fruit. Fruit that lacks water has wrinkled skin and feels soft to the touch, and in severe cases becomes shriveled. Therefore, only when the fruit contains sufficient water does it look firm, plump, and fresh. For ordinary flowers, water thoroughly only after the soil has dried out, but for flowers that have already set fruit, the potting soil should be kept moist, and this is especially important for evergreen fruiting ornamental flowers. If the plant is short of water for a short time, the fruit can recover after watering; if it is short of water for a long time, the fruit will lose water and shrivel, losing its ornamental value. Citrus varieties are common examples. For such plants, they should be sprayed with water frequently.
3. Light Fruiting ornamental flowers are best placed in a spot with ample light, and this is especially important for plants whose fruit is still partly green. This is because the more anthocyanins in the fruit, the brighter and redder the fruit, and anthocyanins are synthesized more strongly under the action of light.
4. Ventilation During the fruiting period, fruiting ornamental flowers should be kept in an environment with circulating air, which can prevent the fruit from dropping prematurely.
5. Other matters Fruiting ornamental flowers are generally not fertilized in the middle and late stages of fruiting; fertilizing will cause the fruit to drop and shorten the fruiting period. In winter, fruiting ornamental flowers may suffer from some pests and diseases because of poor ventilation or excessively high temperatures in their environment. In such cases, it is enough to use common fungicides and insecticides for control, and also pay attention to ventilation and controlling room temperature.