Large tub plants in potted gardens attract attention with their unusual shapes and exotic charm. They always become the center of a plant composition or a group natural ensemble. In order for cultures to be able to show all their decorativeness, it will take a lot of effort in the care and maintenance. These lovers of warmth in cold weather require more comfortable conditions that are only possible indoors. It will take considerable effort and some time to transfer heavy pots and flowerpots to a house or apartment.
It is recommended to move the largest tub plants indoors in late October - early November, when night temperatures drop to zero or the initial minus mark. For gardeners in the cold season, numerous efforts begin to thoroughly care for these crops and create all the necessary living conditions. Tubular plants with low frost resistance are harvested first (in early or mid-October), and the rest can stay for some time under a temporary cover on an open terrace or in a gazebo. There is no need to risk the life of these natural specimens, but prolonged exposure to cold air helps to harden them and increase immunity.
Temporary insulation is recommended in the evening, and during the day all covers can be removed. Tubs and pots with plants must be placed on a thick wooden stand, which will protect the root part from cold soil, and as a covering material, you can take plastic wrap for greenhouses or any natural non-woven material. When night temperatures drop to a good minus, it is better to transfer the plants to a closed room, which must be selected individually for each specimen. It is necessary to take into account the preferences of each plant in the level of air humidity, in temperature conditions and in other details. To preserve all the decorative qualities of each culture, wintering at home should not cause discomfort in plants.
Proper home care
Winter home conditions should be close to the natural conditions of each representative of the flora.
Temperature
To maintain a certain temperature in winter, it is important to know the origin of each crop and its climatic preferences. For instance:
- 5 to 10 degrees Celsius - for plants of Asian origin;
- From 15 to 18 - for plants of tropical origin.
The potted crops from the Mediterranean can stay on the open terrace for the longest time, even at temperatures up to 5 degrees below zero.
During the wintering period of plants indoors, it is recommended to pay great attention not only to the air temperature, but also to monitor the temperature indicators of the soil. The root part should not be hypothermic.A stable temperature in the room and its maximum compliance with the requirements of a tub culture will contribute to its firmness and endurance, and in the future - full flowering.
Lighting
The type of leaves of various crops helps determine the required level of light in the room. Some of them can hibernate almost in the dark, while others require bright and full lighting. For example, deciduous plants that have time to shed all their leaves by winter may be in a dark, warm room. Light can only provoke premature flowering. But evergreen species need light that is bright and long-lasting throughout the day for all 12 months.
Requirements for lighting and air temperature for specific crops:
- Geranium, bamboo, chrysanthemums, camellia, agave, date palm, Mediterranean viburnum, myrtle - you need a bright room and a temperature of 5 to 10 degrees Celsius;
- Fuchsia, Garnet, ficus, agapanthus, nightshade, cercis, brugmansia - any lighting is possible (even complete darkness) and similar temperature indicators;
- Hibiscus, eucalyptus, citrus crops, banana, passionflower, strelitzia - you need a bright room with a minimum temperature of 10-15 degrees.
Location
It is not only warm living quarters that can be useful for a winter shelter. An insulated garage with good lighting, a warm dark basement for plants that do not need light in winter can become a full-fledged wintering place for unpretentious plants. Evergreen tub crops can be placed on tall stands or stools in a spacious, cool room. And especially demanding specimens will require greenhouse conditions with good heating, as well as greenhouses or winter gardens.
If you cannot place all tub crops in the house due to the large number of flowers or insufficient living space, then it is recommended to build a greenhouse wintering house with your own hands. You need to choose a flat area on the south side of the yard near the wall of the house or near the entrance to the cellar (or basement). To assemble the structure, you will need metal slats, of which the main frame will consist, and a dense thick plastic film to cover greenhouses and greenhouses. It is recommended to lay foam plastic about five centimeters thick at the bottom of the greenhouse. It is possible to maintain an optimal temperature regime inside the building with a household heater or gas.
Pruning
Autumn pruning is only necessary on an individual basis. For example, if the lush crown of a tall tub culture simply does not fit in an apartment or house, or there are too many plants in large pots and tubs for one room. The disadvantage of this autumn procedure is the slow healing of the cut sites, which makes the plant vulnerable and unprotected from various infections and harmful organisms.
Spring pruning takes place in early March. Damaged, weak and dried shoots are subject to removal.
Watering
The main thing in winter is that the root part of the plants does not dry out. Watering should be timely and moderate. Lack and excess of moisture in the soil in the cold season will lead to negative consequences. It is advisable to select an individual irrigation scheme for each tub culture. Before the next watering, you need to check the moisture level in the soil (in each flower container).
Top dressing and fertilizers
Approximately in the second half of August, top dressing is applied for the last time before wintering. Many plants do not need additional nutrition until spring. This does not only apply to evergreen and greenhouse crops. Heat-loving representatives of the flora need monthly feeding throughout the year.
Diseases and pests
In winter, many plants become less resistant to pests and diseases. That is why preventive measures are of great importance.It is recommended to carefully examine all the aboveground parts of the crops once a week, to get rid of yellowed or withering leaves in time. At the first signs of pests, it is necessary to urgently treat the plants by spraying, showering, wiping the leafy part or using chemicals.
The main pests are mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects.
