Full care of indoor plants should take into account not only the individual preferences of each culture, but also the period of its life. Anything that gives plants vitality and energy during the growth period can cause significant harm during the dormant period. Most of the plant crops actively grow and develop in the spring and summer seasons, and in the fall and winter they pass into a state of dormancy. To grow, they need a lot of heat and light, moisture and feeding, fresh air and sun, and during the rest period, preparations are underway for the next season and many life processes stop.
Some of the plants retain their appearance, but stop growing until the arrival of spring, while the rest even shed their foliage and wither. During this important period of time for flowers, watering and feeding are stopped or reduced to a minimum, the amount of light and heat decreases significantly. Plants are given this stage for quality rest. If a good rest does not work out, then this will negatively affect further development. It is possible that the flower will look weak in the spring-summer season, and the flowering period will not come at all. In order to avoid various problems in the future, it is recommended to take into account the characteristics of each indoor flower at each season of the year when caring for it during the growth and dormant periods.
Autumn
With the arrival of autumn, it is necessary to transfer indoor plants from open balconies and verandas, where they were grown during the summer months, to indoor conditions. Autumn cold winds and rains can damage flower crops if they are not moved to moderate temperatures in a timely manner. So that the flowers do not get stress from the abrupt change of scenery, it is recommended to gradually accustom them to the limited fresh air and home environment. To do this, first they are placed as close as possible to an open window or window, and with the arrival of severe cold weather and after adaptation, flower containers are installed in a permanent wintering place.
The frequency of irrigation and the volume of irrigation water has also been gradually decreasing since September. Plants such as lemons, palms and ficuses are recommended to be watered in moderate doses once every two days, using warm water at a temperature of at least twenty-eight degrees Celsius for irrigation. Various types of nutritional supplements are not required for the plants at this time. Hydrangeas, fuchsia and other flowers that shed their leaves during the fall and winter period should be kept in cool shaded conditions (for example, in a basement or non-living room), as light and heat can wake them up prematurely.
Winter
In the winter months, the place of cultivation is of great importance for indoor crops, since many of them do not like the proximity of heaters and hot batteries, as well as dry air and insufficient humidity in the room. Stoves, fireplaces and other sources of heating and warm air should be kept away from plants. The air must be humidified with sprays and additional containers with water, which are placed next to the flowers.
To prevent pets from freezing at night on the windowsills, it is recommended to move them to another place at night. And the high humidity from the moisture accumulated on the glass can cause great harm.
Watering should be carried out as the upper layer of the substrate dries up by 5-10 mm, preferably in the morning, the average water temperature is 25 degrees.
To prevent the appearance of various diseases, it is very important to pay great attention to hygiene procedures. Spraying and wiping the leafy part with a damp soft sponge will help keep plants clean, making crops more resistant to disease and pests. It is better to spray flowers with delicate foliage, and it is advisable to wipe thick leathery leaf plates on both sides. After such water procedures, it is good to remove excess moisture with a paper napkin.
Airings in winter are carried out in order to provide flowers with fresh air. The main thing is that during this event all the plants should be moved away from the cold air stream. Short daylight hours and lack of lighting can be compensated for with a fluorescent lamp or phytolamp.
Weakened or withered indoor plants require special attention during this difficult winter period for them. You need to continue to look after them: remove drying leaves, loosen and moisten the soil in the pot, spray, inspect them. Flowers need this support until about mid-February, when they begin to gradually emerge from the dormant period. Then they will need more sunlight, more irrigation water and nutritious feeding. It is very important not to miss the moment of awakening cultures from the "winter sleep".
Spring
For easier overcoming of the transition (at the beginning of March) of indoor plants from the dormant period to the active phase of development, flower growers are recommended:
- Carry out a thorough examination of the plants, flower containers and soil mixture in them and, if necessary, wipe the flowers, and replace the soil and pots;
- Transplant, reproduction and feeding.
In spring, the frequency, volume and time of watering changes. From the beginning of April, it is more favorable to water the plants in the evening. When ventilated, flower crops can be left on a windowsill or near a fresh air source. In May (daytime) flowers can be left for the whole day on an open terrace or garden plot.
Summer
Summer is the most active time for the growth and development of indoor plants. They get enough light, sunlight, fresh air and humidity. At this time, the plants significantly increase in growth, bloom magnificently, delight with bright colors of flowers, but even at such a favorable time for them, it is necessary to continue full-fledged care of indoor plants.
Watering the flowers should be plentiful, spraying should be carried out every day (in the evening), and in especially hot periods - in the morning and in the evening. On rainy and cool days, watering can be reduced. Avoid excessive waterlogging.
The sunlight so necessary for plant crops can harm them with its hot direct rays, so you should take care of a little shading at noon hours. It is also necessary to protect the flowers from strong gusts of wind.
Timely feeding will help maintain a high decorative effect and enhanced growth.
