A lot of us do not like winter, mainly because of the very low temperatures and the need to wear warm clothes. Therefore, we should not be surprised that our potted plants do not like this season of the year, either. Thanks to the plants, however, we can definitely improve our winter moods, because their soothing greenery accompanies us in the interiors, when the gray environment outside does not fill us with optimism. Therefore, if we want to make the apartment more beautiful for the whole year, we should take care of it properly. So what do you need to remember when taking care of domestic flowers in the winter? Here are some of the most important tips.
Provide the right amount of light
Probably every flower lover is aware of the importance of light for their development. Unfortunately, in the winter, access to natural light is significantly limited, which can unfavourably affect the condition of our domestic flowers. The distance between the leaves is growing, they begin to fall down, but it can also lead to the death of the whole plant.
In order to prevent this, we must move the plants as close to the windows as possible. It is best if there are south-east windows because the most natural light reaches the rooms through them. If possible, net curtains, blinds or curtains needs to be pulled back during the day. We should also remember that dust deposited on plants may limit the access of light to them. Therefore, regularly remove it with a damp cloth or sponge.
If our plants are still not receiving the right amount of light, it's worth thinking about their artificial lighting. Assimilation, preferably energy-saving, lamps and LED lamps will help us in this.
In case of a green plant wall, the problem of light is usually solved during the installation of the system along with the installation of appropriate lighting. The light exposure should be continuous for a minimum of 10 hours a day.
Ensure the optimal temperature
The shortage of light in the winter can be compensated by lowering the air temperature in the room where our plants are located.
The solution may be to move our plants to slightly cooler rooms for these few months. Not everyone, however, has such places at their disposal, and a lot of people do not want to part with their beloved flowers for such a long time. All the more so because their task is to decorate our homes.
In this case, our plants should be as close as possible to the windows, near which the temperature is slightly lower. Under the condition, of course, that there is no radiator just under the windowsill. We must also remember that domestic plants do not like cold or even freezing air. They should be set at a safe distance.
What to do in the case of a green wall? Here we do not have to compensate the lack of light because we constantly provide it. However, we have to be careful about too high temperatures, above 23°C. Too heated and dry air will cause faster drying of root balls and leaves. However, such air is also unfavourable to us. It causes drying of the mucous membranes and has an adverse effect on the respiratory tracts and eyes. It should be considered to lower the temperature in the apartment during the winter season as well as provide good ventilation of the rooms and wear warmer clothes. We will be healthier with more energy. And plants will show their gratitude with a beautiful look.
Limit watering
In winter, plants do not need so much water as in other seasons. Therefore, at this time, we should reduce its quantity. We must remember that just like a shortage, also the excess of water is harmful to domestic flowers. Therefore, we should be careful in winter and irrigate plants only to the extent that they simply do not wither. It is recommended to check the soil moisture of our flowers and water them only when it is already dry.
On the green walls, the situation is sometimes opposite. Dry warm air dries out substrates and root balls faster. Therefore, with the start of a heating season, we should increase the irrigation frequency of the vertical gardens.
Take care of the proper air humidity
The air humidity in our apartments is the lowest in the heating season. We very often complain about too dry air in winter, which is why we should not be surprised by the fact that such conditions are not conducive to plants in the apartment. Therefore, as far as possible, we should increase the air humidity, which will have a positive effect both on the condition of the plants and on our well-being.
Placing damp towels on the radiators or hanging special containers with water on them is a very simple solution. If we can spend a bit more money, we can also buy an electric air humidifier that will serve us for a long time.
The plants themselves can also be sprinkled with water from time to time, or small pebbles can be poured onto the trays, and then flooded with water. When the water evaporates, it simultaneously raises the air humidity near the plants.
Whereas the green plant wall will work similarly to the humidifier, giving moisture to the interior of the rooms with all its surface. Therefore, setting a higher irrigation frequency may be a necessity.
Adjust fertilisers to their needs
Opinions as to whether plants should be fertilised during the winter period are very diverse. The fact is, however, that it is difficult to provide our flowers with appropriate conditions for rest. Therefore, in order to ensure that their vegetation is maintained, we should properly care for their fertilisation.
During this period, we should give less fertilisers than in spring and summer. It is worth to consider using small amounts of liquid fertilisers or products of this type with prolonged action.
In the case of green walls, there are no such restrictions, because low doses of fertilisers are constantly administered, usually with water, so the dosage doesn't need to be changed.
By following these simple cultivation tips in the winter season, the plants will show their gratitude with a beautiful look throughout the year.
