In order for potted plants to survive the cold winter, it is particularly important to create the right conditions. Because with a few exceptions, all plants in vessels must be protected from sub-zero temperatures. Here you can find out which plant has to be hibernated, and how to hibernate pot plants in winter.
Container plants are often plants that come from milder climates, for example from the Mediterranean or the tropics. They are often sensitive to frost and cold and need a suitable wintering location. In some cases, exotic species have to be in winter quarters as early as October to hibernate pot plants in winter.
In addition, the root balls of plants in pots and tubs are less protected than in the ground – they can freeze to death faster. Depending on the type of plant, there are different options for winter locations, for example small greenhouses, winter gardens, but also cool, bright rooms , cellar rooms or garages . At temperatures between 10-15 ° C and in a bright, cool and airy environment almost all container plants feel comfortable.
There are also some native, hardy tub plants that can hibernate outdoors. A place protected from the wind and rain near the wall of the house is ideal, as it also radiates heat from the house and also protects the plants from the cold temperatures.
How to repot plants easily
But make sure that you can easily reach the place when watering. Instead of the usual coasters, the buckets should stand on a thick styrofoam or wooden plate or on a felt pad. This way, the vessels are also protected against frost from below.
The tubs and plants are also well packed, for example with several layers of jute fabric or in suitable coversthat are simply pulled over the plant and tub. Fir twigs that are wrapped directly around the plant or stuck in between the branches create additional protection.
It is important when you want to hibernate pot plants in winter to stop fertilizing from August . This allows the shoots to mature properly and do not freeze so quickly.
How to water plants when you are away
Which potted plants can stay outside?
Plants that can stay outside in winter include boxwood, rose and cherry laurel, or bamboo and conifers .
Beard flower, hydrangea, lavender, rosemary, skimmie and peat myrtle can also spend the winter in the garden in milder temperatures . When it is dry, the tub plants must be watered, otherwise the root ball will dry out. Pour ideally at frost temperatures and only in small quantities, so that the soil in the pot will not freeze.
Hibernate pot plants in winter: deciduous plants
Deciduous potted plants include angel trumpet and fuchsia . These plants can do without light – but the prerequisite is that the temperatures are so low that the plants cannot sprout early . Cut off the branches before storing the plants, then do not shed the leaves in the winter quarters.
hibernate pot plants in winter: exotic plants
Exotic potted plants include oleanders, laurel, date palm and various citrus plants . These are often evergreen – so the plants must have enough light available. It is advisable to pay attention to clean windows and unimpeded light at the location of the container plants.
Plants that are originally native to the tropics (including hibiscus, green mallow, ornamental banana and sky flower ) cannot tolerate temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius, but also need warmth in winter. Tropical plants feel particularly comfortable in a moderately heated, bright room. You should note the following rules of thumb :
- Only place plants in the winter quarters that are pest-free.
- If a plant is infected with pests, they can spread to other plants over the winter.
- When checking for aphids or similar pests, it is particularly important that you take a close look at the undersides and branches of the leaf, as these are popular hiding places for scale insects and mealybugs.
- To prevent fungal diseases, you should regularly remove fallen leaves and dead plant parts.
- Yellow boards, which you can hang in the branches or stick into the ground, also help against white flies.
- You can cut infested leaves and shoots generously and dispose of them in organic waste.
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How to repot plants easily
