Hibernation in plants: what is it?
Unlike us humans, plants are cold-blooded organisms and do not need a constant temperature to survive. If it gets too cold for them, they stop growing and have different types of hibernation. The first thing that comes to mind is the loss of leaves from trees as a survival strategy in winter. This cycle is controlled, among other things, by the duration of the light. Plants only lose their leaves during the cold season if they originally come from areas where they have to cope with sub-zero temperatures in winter. If the plant keeps its leaves, then too much water will evaporate over the leaf surfaces and the plant would eventually wither because it cannot catch up with water from the frozen ground.
Our houseplants often come from tropical regions, which fortunately do not shed their beautiful foliage as a strategy. However, many of them also enter a dormant phase in which they hardly grow and require less nutrients and water. This is mainly because they don't have enough light available for pronounced growth. If you water and fertilize too much during this time, the forced growth can cause the plant to die.
Do all plants hibernate?
The dormant phase and the associated reduced metabolic processes only occur in our houseplants when the temperature drops to around 14 degrees Celsius. However, it is often so warm in our apartments that the temperature does not drop that much. Most of our houseplants do not hibernate naturally during the winter.
With some plants it makes sense to initiate an artificial hibernation by giving them a cool and dark location. This has the advantage that the plants gather new strength over the winter and grow faster in the next growth phase. For plants that flower in spring or summer, a few quiet weeks in winter are particularly important.
However, there are also indoor plants that bloom in winter. Accordingly, they do not have a rest phase and must continue to be supplied with sufficient fertilizer! These include, for example, the poinsettia or the azalea.
How often should you fertilize indoor plants in winter?
Fertilizing and watering still makes sense in winter, but must be reduced without artificial light. If plants are stimulated to grow in poor light conditions, they only grow sparsely and plant parts become soft. The production of leafy green is limited and the plants turn yellow and get sick.
A year-round use of our FARBIO products is possible. We recommend fertilizing once a week from March to October and once a month from November to February. This will vary depending on the type of plant and whether you are using an artificial light. You can find more information about plant lights here .
The rule of thumb is simple: if the plant has less light available, then it needs fertilizer at shorter intervals, since it grows more slowly with less light. The FARBIO organic liquid fertilizers can be used during the entire growth period of your plant.
What should you fertilize with in the cold season? Liquid fertilizer, fertilizer sticks, household remedies and Co.
The FARBIO basic supply specializes in the healthy growth of your plants. Whether green, herb, fruit or vegetable plants: These vegan NPK liquid fertilizers support them with all the important nutrients. Potassium ensures that plants are less sensitive to frost and survive the cold season better.
With the extra boost of nitrogen, you not only ensure constant growth with the FARBIO® Nitrogen Bio-Boost , but also a better appearance in the form of rich green colors. The mobility of nutrients within your plants is promoted, which ensures optimal supply and makes your plants more resilient. You don't have to worry about nitrogen oversaturation.
With our FARBIO® organic micro-complex special fertilizer, the focus is on the natural protection of your plants. By supplying them with essential trace elements, you ensure that plants become more vital and resistant! The vegan foliar fertilizer with nanoparticle technology promotes rapid absorption of complex micronutrients and strengthens the self-protection mechanism of your plants. This reduces the effects of severe pest and disease infestations, which are particularly common in the cold season.
The heating air in our living rooms ensures dry air, which can promote the proliferation of many dreaded pests. Less light in winter weakens the resilience of plants. Infestations by spider mites, fungus gnats and scale, mealybugs and mealybugs are particularly common.
Plants in winter: which ones do not need fertilizer?
Plants that overwinter outside do not need to be fertilized. Due to the strong temperature difference, they have stopped growing. Succulent houseplants are known for being easy to care for and need hardly any water or fertilizer during the cold season.
