The suffocating heat has already passed and long-sleeved clothes are appearing in the drawers and showcases. This is inevitable. We took a dip in the pool and air conditioning before scheduling an emergency wardrobe change on our calendar. And as always, the plant world undergoes these changes simultaneously. The sun shines for fewer and fewer hours, and plants, as if someone turned off a switch, are preparing to go through the next stage of the biological cycle.
Let’s see what happens to them and what we need to do at the beginning of the fall season to be as prepared as possible.
As the temperature drops, plants bloom less, so they need less water to keep their levels in order.
Changes that plants undergo employer
With the heat and long days, plants are asking for love: water, nutrients, and attention to pests. This is normal, your activity is at its peak and one thing leads to another. Now the days are shorter, the nights are getting cooler, and we are starting to notice how our plants are becoming less attractive for certain care:
- ·growth retardation: Plants regulate their activities, among other things, depending on the temperature of the environment in which they live. Reduced heat slows down their growth rate, meaning new leaves, flowers and buds will slow down.
- Reduced photosynthesisPhotosynthesis, the process by which plants convert sunlight into energy, becomes less efficient at lower temperatures. As a result, plants can generate less energy, which directly affects their growth.
- Decreased water absorption: As the temperature drops, plants bloom less, so they need less water to keep the levels in order. Here it is necessary to control the watering, because, in addition, the substrate dries more slowly and it will not be necessary to put it on top.
- minor Fertilizer needs: If their activity decreases, it is logical to think that they will need less nutrients than when they are at full capacity. For example, over-fertilizing with nitrogen can be counterproductive because the plant does not need that much and can contribute to the stunted growth it causes.
- pause mode: In a few weeks, some species will stop their daily life. This can include the formation of dormant buds or the shedding of leaves as a surefire tool to activate its ‘saving mode’.
In a few weeks, some species will stop living their daily lives. This may include the formation of dormant buds or shedding of leaves as a way to activate its ‘saving mode’.
How to prepare plants for autumn
Now that we know what happens to them, I offer a list of tasks that will give you a certain advantage to guarantee healthy plants, without dramas and well prepared for cold weather:
- Წokli well– As the temperature drops, it is necessary to adjust the frequency and amount of watering. It’s a good idea to gradually reduce the amount of water you give your plants and make sure the substrate dries out a bit between waterings to avoid root problems.
- cleaning pruning: Dried leaves, tangled branches or remnants of pests that have passed there. Grab your shears and prepare your plant for winter. It’s one of those gestures that you’ll appreciate the most after a hot summer like the one we’ve had.
- Is it time to transplant? Spring is one of the most recommended times to date with summer guarantees, that’s right. But if your plant needs pruning, do it without hesitation. Check its roots, see if the substrate dries out too quickly or if it has lost its quality. If you think it’s convenient, this is a good time to do it.
- Organize your space: While we’re at it, why not spin your green corner? Maybe you’ve had a loss or decided to incorporate a new plant into your life. This is a good time to do this, as the low activity of your plants will largely prevent them from being stressed by environmental changes.
Do not use phytosanitary products in autumn: the bushes are also resting and will leave your plants alone for a while.
What you shouldn’t do
As you already know that your plant is not the same every season, keep in mind these common mistakes to avoid in the fall:
- Water the succulents: read it right As you know, they can accumulate a large amount of water in their tissues and will most comfortably pass this low demand. They won’t be needed until spring, so avoid the inevitable death by drowning.
- Use phytosanitary products: Bugs also rest, and if the environmental conditions are not favorable, they will leave your plants alone for a while. Save time, health and money and do not use products accidentally. Save it for when you really need it.
- Overcut: While their preparation is important, you should avoid over-pruning in late summer. Plants still need leaves to continue photosynthesis and store energy before winter. Severe pruning can weaken them and make them more vulnerable to disease.
If you decide to take the plants outside, you will find that there are very interesting plants such as chrysanthemums, camellias or aucubas that take advantage of the short days to show their best side. I will tell you about them and many others soon.
Source: El Diario
