When the colder months arrive, it's essential to pay special attention to plant care. Just as the cold affects humans and animals, it can also be harmful to our plants, especially the more delicate, young, and newly planted species. winter is a challenge for any gardening enthusiast, but with the right knowledge and specific care, it is possible to keep them healthy, vigorous and ready to bloom strongly in spring.
In this article, we offer you the most complete and detailed guide with practical and effective advice to care for all types of plants during the cold months, integrating not only the most traditional methods, but also the latest tips and tricks Validated by experts and experienced gardeners. Don't let the cold hinder the growth and beauty of your garden, balcony, or indoor plants!
Main winter challenges for your plants
During winter, plants face several adverse factors that can compromise their development and survival:
- Drastic drop in temperature: Cold can cause damage to leaves, stems, roots and flowers, especially in species not adapted to cool climates.
- Reduction of brightnessShort days, less sunlight, and increased cloud cover hamper photosynthesis, slowing growth and causing dormancy periods.
- Ambient and substrate humidity: The combination of high humidity and low temperatures favors the appearance of fungi, while excessive watering can cause root rot.
- Frost and hoarfrost: Direct frost on leaves and roots is one of the most serious dangers, as it can cause irreversible damage to the plant's structure.
- Dry indoor environmentsHeating decreases relative humidity, which can dry out leaves and weaken indoor plants.
Knowing these risks, let's move on to the best tips and solutions for each case.
Protection and insulation: Blankets, covers and covers
One of the most effective methods to protect plants from extreme cold is to use blankets, hibernation covers and thermal veilsThese elements are designed to envelop the plant and create a favorable microclimate, protecting the foliage and roots from frost and icy winds.
- The hibernation covers Today's plants are lightweight, permeable, and allow light and air to enter, creating a gentle greenhouse effect. They are ideal for both potted and ground-planted plants.
- Choose the right size for each plant and remember to put the covers on before frost arrives, preferably when the temperature starts to drop below 4°C (or feels very cold).
- In the case of young or small trees, they can be used protective meshes to cover the trunk and protect it from the wind.
- If it snows, it is advisable do not remove it immediately from the soil or the pot, as it acts as a natural insulator for the roots.
These elements help the plant maintain its internal temperature, preserving both the moisture like the warmth needed to face the cold months without suffering harm.
Strategic location and protection of potted plants
A simple but very effective measure is to moving potted plants to protected areas:
- Bring your pots inside of homes, garages, covered verandas or portable greenhouses, where the temperature will always be a few degrees higher.
- If it is not possible to bring them into the home, Move plants closer to walls or between large shrubs so that they are partially protected from wind and frost.
- Avoid placing plants too close to windows in extremely cold weather; glass can transmit low temperatures and harm the foliage.
- If you leave your pots outside, place them on wood or tiles (not directly on the ground), to insulate the roots from the direct cold of the ground.
Indoors, it is key to position the plants near bright windows, but away from drafts and heat sources such as radiators or heaters.
The fundamental role of mulch
El mulch It's an essential natural insulator for protecting roots from the cold. A layer of 5 to 8 cm on top of the substrate helps maintain temperature and humidity, preventing freeze-thaw cycles from damaging the plant.
- For plants like roses, you can cover them completely with clean mulch until the risk of frost has passed.
- Apply mulch before the coldest weather arrives and gradually remove it as temperatures rise.
- Do not forget that Insulation works both ways: prevents rapid cooling, but also prevents a sudden increase in temperature at the beginning of spring.
Covers, tarps and greenhouses
For very sensitive plants, use specific protective tarpaulins on the coldest nights and during frosts. Remember to remove them during the day so the plants can receive light and fresh air.
- Secure tarps or covers with weights or ropes to prevent them from being blown away by the wind.
- The portable greenhouses They are an excellent solution: they come in different sizes and formats to suit your needs, allowing you to trap solar heat and block frost.
- Ensures correct ventilation in the greenhouse, since if it is not properly ventilated on sunny days, excess heat and humidity can be generated, causing imbalances and the appearance of fungi.
Proper watering in winter
Water is crucial in all seasons, but in winter, a Excessive irrigation combined with low temperatures can be fatal to most plants:
- Water sparingly, preferably during the warmest hours of the day and only when the substrate is dry to the touch.
- Avoid watering leaves and flowers., as the droplets can freeze and cause necrosis.
- A thorough watering before a cold night helps the soil retain heat and protect the roots, but never water if severe frost is forecast or if the ground is frozen.
- The succulents and cacti They require very little water during the cold months. Overwatering can lead to rot.
Selection of resistant species and adapted care
Always choose plants compatible with the climate in your area and adapt their care during the winter. Consult nurseries or experts, learn about hardy varieties, and consider the specific needs of each species:
- Crass: Adapts well to any environment, moderate watering every 10 days if the substrate is dry.
- Cactus: Needs lots of indirect light, watering at very intervals (every two weeks in winter).
- Tape and butt: : Resistant, ideal for places with good light, moderate watering.
- Fern: It requires constant humidity and soft but not direct natural light.
- Aloe vera: Very resistant, moderate watering, occasional transplant to encourage growth.
Caring for indoor plants during winter
Dry indoor environments caused by heating, reduced light, and the possibility of pests require adjusting your home care routine:
- Keep plants away from direct heat sources and make sure the ambient humidity isn't too low. A humidifier or placing containers of water nearby helps maintain a healthy environment.
- Bring the plants closer to windows with good light natural, avoiding sudden changes in location and keeping them away from cold air currents.
- Control watering, space it according to the species, and make sure the pots have good drainage to avoid waterlogging and fungi.
- Wipe leaves with a damp cloth every two weeks to improve photosynthesis and prevent dust buildup.
- Watch out for possible pests such as red spider and cochineal, which take advantage of the dryness inside. Use natural or specific insecticides as needed.
- Some species may lose some leaves as they adapt to winter. Don't be alarmed if you see this loss, as long as the plant's roots and stems are healthy.
Light management and plant grouping
- Group your plants, especially tropical ones, into groups to create warm, humid microenvironments. This practice helps maintain more stable conditions and promotes the health of delicate specimens.
- If natural light is scarce, consider placing growth lamps special for plants.
Avoid common mistakes and winter stress
To reduce stress on your plants in winter, keep these additional tips in mind:
- Watch the drainageRemove any accumulated water from the saucers of your pots. Stagnation is the biggest enemy in winter.
- Reduce watering progressively as the cold season begins.
- Avoid overpaying: The plants are dormant and don't require as much nutrients. Leave fertilization for spring.
- Don't move the plants around constantly. to avoid stress and poor acclimatization.
- Insulates from the cold floor using wooden supports or tiles.
- Protects from drafts and sudden changes in temperature.
If fungus appears, use cinnamon powder on the soil or a solution of baking soda and water to treat the leaves.
- Renew part of the substrate to improve nutrient supply and protect roots.
- Choose the warmest time of day to water and avoid wetting the foliage.
- If you live in an area with severe frost, cover vulnerable plants with fabric, tarps, or special plastic.
With a little extra care, you can enjoy healthy, green plants even during the coldest months. Take advantage of this time to observe and get to know your plants better, and plan for future spring care. By protecting them now, you'll ensure they bloom with strength and beauty when the warmer weather arrives.
