When autumn gradually passes, the days are getting shorter and the thermometer often shows less than 5 °C, it is time for most plants to move into winter quarters. Outside, exotic plants in particular lack light, while evergreen and deciduous plants often get through the winter with little light. In order to hibernate a plant, two factors are particularly important: the optimal light and the appropriate temperature.
However, because there are other points to consider as well, we have put together a small guide for you on the subject of "overwintering plants", which also contains suitable tools. See also our special ones Products for wintering on.
Are you unsure which is the most suitable overwintering method for your plant? Just drop us a message about that contact form . Our experts will be happy to provide you with helpful answers.
Overwintering the plant – you should consider this:
methods of overwintering
There are different ways of overwintering plants. But all plants have one thing in common: Depending on the growth conditions in their original area of origin, they become dormant in the colder months. During this time, they slow down their metabolism and require less heat and light. While native plants do well in darkness and cool temperatures, plants from tropical and subtropical areas should be supported with additional light.
If you want to give your plant a dormant period until spring, all you have to do is overwinter it somewhere with a temperature between 5°C and 10°C. The following applies: the cooler the room, the darker it can be. Because: The higher the temperature, the more likely it is that the plant's metabolism will be boosted. If there is too little light, so-called vergeiling occurs: the plants continue to form shoots, but these are very thin and wither faster. This method of overwintering plants is perfect for conservatory owners. While evergreen plants survive the winter well with this method, deciduous potted plants can even hibernate in pitch-dark rooms.
Would you rather your plants continue to grow and thrive during the winter so that they can be placed directly outside in the spring? Then you have to ensure optimal conditions in the winter quarters. The temperature should not fall below 10°C and there must be sufficient light for the plant to overwinter and continue to thrive. With our LED grow lights you have a perfect instrument at hand to compensate for the low incidence of light through the window on the gray winter days and to provide the plant with the best possible care. Exotic plants in particular, which also need warmth and light in winter, should be overwintered in this way.
The right light for wintering
Window panes absorb a large part of the light waves that your plant needs during the winter. Therefore it makes sense to illuminate them with artificial light, for example with our Plant lamps , support. Above all, blue and white wavelengths are essential - the blue light spectrum is used for leaf growth or leaf maintenance and the white light spectrum stimulates the root system.
remove pests
Before your plant moves into its winter location, you should check it for possible pests. Aphids and scale insects can thrive on leaves and stems. To drive them away permanently, you should use appropriate insecticides. In order to prevent fungal infestation, we advise you to constantly dispose of dead plant parts and leaves, even in winter. Is your plant in a warmer conservatory? Then whiteflies can spread. Spider mites also multiply quickly in dry air. Tip: Good ventilation in frosty temperatures can prevent pest infestation in the interior.
Moderate watering of the plants during the winter
It is enough to water the plant once a week during the winter. Tip: Stale water at room temperature is particularly suitable. It is best to always check by hand beforehand whether the soil is still moist enough, as the plant does not need as much water during this time. Is your plant losing leaves? In most cases, this is not due to too little water, but rather to the reduced amount of light or too high a temperature in the winter quarters.
Pay attention to the humidity
The right humidity also has a decisive influence on whether your plant can overwinter successfully. Therefore, make sure that the room in which your plant has its winter quarters is regularly ventilated. However, the temperatures are also decisive there. On days that are too cold, the plants could freeze to death or be damaged. If you notice that the leaves are getting brown edges, this may be due to insufficient humidity - dry heating air in particular contributes to this. Water bowls on the heater or an air humidifier with a low dosage can help and improve the room conditions.
The right substrate for overwintering
The substrate should be as loose as possible to allow for optimal air exchange. It should therefore have many small cavities so that on the one hand it is well permeable to water and on the other hand there is no waterlogging. Tip: Treat your plants to fresh cell therapy before wintering and transplant them.
The optimal nutrient supply
When plants overwinter, their metabolism is slowed down, but they still need additional nutrients in the form of fertilizers to maintain their strong roots. Phosphorus, sodium, potassium and magnesium are important plant nutrients, which are absorbed by the roots through the substrate.
The right time
It is important for a successful wintering phase to know the right time to bring the plant in - and to bring it back outside at the ideal time. Tip: Get in as late as possible and get out as early as possible. In general, the plant should stay outdoors for as long as the weather permits and see the sun again as early as possible. Although the plant can overwinter indoors, it feels most comfortable outdoors.
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Overwinter the plant with Venso tools
In our shop you will find next to products for overwintering your plants too Plant lamps that are especially suitable for indoor plants that should not only be supplied with optimal light in the winter months, but permanently. We are happy to advise you if you have any questions about our lamps or want to overwinter your plant and you do not know exactly which method is best. Feel free to ask us - we will help you further .
