How do plants survive the winter?

When it comes to winter, many plants will have withered branches and rotten roots due to low temperature and lack of water, and some of them will wither and die directly, so we should pay special attention to them when they pass the winter. How do plants survive the winter?

1. Remove the leaves

It is more common for us to see bare plants standing there in winter, because the drop in temperature causes changes in their bodies, which leads to the loss of leaves. When the weather gets colder and the days shorten, it begins to transfer nutrients from the leaves to the branches, causing the leaves to wither and the plants go into dormancy. After entering winter, plants "take out" the nutrients previously stored and decompose them under the action of enzymes, in order to increase the concentration of plant cell sap, so that they will not be frozen easily.

2. Appropriate watering

Physiological changes are taking place all the time in plants, just like us. In winter, plants reduce energy consumption and increase cold resistance. Take a conifer, for example, it can survive at minus 40 degrees, which shows its strong survivability. In winter, we find that many plants outside will wither, but do not mistakenly think that plants are dead, this is their way to protect themselves from frostbite in winter. The wilting of plants is a sign of reducing water absorption and reducing the amount of water in the body.

3. Keep plants away from vents, radiators or ventilation windows

Most plants are not enthusiasts of extreme temperature changes, so try to avoid placing them in places with large temperature differences. The best way is to put them near the window where there is sunshine and ventilation, and remember that they cannot be placed directly on the windowsill.

4. Keep the temperature stable

Although the suitable temperature varies from variety to variety, most plants grow well during the day at about 18 to 25 degrees Celsius and are not frostbitten by a slight drop in temperature at night.

5. Let each plant receive light evenly.

In order to prevent uneven growth of plants, remember to rotate the flowerpot 1/4 times at regular intervals to ensure that all parts of the plant are exposed to sunlight.

6. Pruning plant branches in time

When plants don't get enough light, they will grow thin and long branches crazily. This phenomenon is called overgrowth. Only by finding and pruning these branches and some withered leaves in time can plants accumulate more nutrients and thrive in spring.

7. Pay attention to infection

Watch out for pests, especially when you move outdoor plants indoors. Spider mite is one of the most common pests. It is especially dangerous in winter, when dry and dusty conditions drive them to gnaw and suck water in the leaves of indoor plants.

Wiping the leaf surface with soapy water is a good way to prevent plants from being infected by diseases and insect pests, or to make homemade pesticides from raw materials in the kitchen.