Naturally you will want to keep your storage container in a shady location and without the lid on! Otherwise, you might heat things up and force your tree into premature growth and premature death.
By now most of you will have put your trees to rest. That means no fertilizing, nor pruning, nor wiring or repotting until the spring. These are activities that require your trees to be actively involved with life rather than focusing on going to sleep, which is, of course, what they are getting ready to do. However, do be vigilant about watering. Although your trees are not growing during the cold season, they should nevertheless not be allowed to dry out completely, even though they are frozen into the ground. Remember that a good snow covering over the winter is what will not only protect your trees from the cold, but will also provide a slow release of water as things begin to warm up late in the winter.
This may be a good time to check your tools and other supplies - keep them clean, sharp and oiled lightly. You might make a wish list for the holidays that are soon upon us, and give friends and family members ample opportunities to "look around."
Hardy Evergreens And Deciduous Plants
If you haven't done so already, tuck them in for winter in a wind-protected location, using whatever method you know works for you. Anticipate the rodents and rabbits and deer - see above suggestions.
Tropicals
South-facing windows make a great spot for keeping some tropicals trees. Try to keep their leaves "off the glass" and rotate them weekly so that they continue to grow evenly. Their tendency will be to lean for the light and place all of their growing efforts in that one direction, leading to a leaning plant.
Another good spot to keep your tropicals, once you run out of window space, is under indoor fluorescent lights. You could investigate buying one of the special plant stands that contain two or three levels with lights and trays, or you can make your own. Home made affairs usually look better in the basement unless you are skilled enough to build an attractive unit that you wouldn't mind keeping in as more public space in your home.
Since our tropical bonsai trees are not usually flowering ones, cool fluorescent lights will serve your prupose very well, and save you a few dollars over the more expensive "grow lights" that are available. Cool white fluorescent bulbs are fine for promoting leaf growth. Light units should be made up of about 4 fluorescent tubes (the longer ones are better) side by side in a space of about 16 inches. The close proximity of individual bulbs to one another leads to a greater concentration of light which is what plants need in the winter rmonths if they are to continue growing happily. Adjust their distance from the bulbs as they grow - maintaining a 2" space between the top leaves and the bulbs is about ideal - this gives a good light concentration without burning the leaves by being too close to the lights.
An old standby of mine is a book called:
Gardening Indoors Under Lights, A Complete Guide
by Frederick H. & Jacqueline L. Kranz
a Penguin Handbook
ISBN 0 14 046.258 9
I don't know if this book is still in print, but similar ones should be available - check your local book store or the internet. If you have a book on indoor lights for plants, that you feel is worthwhile, please send that information along so that it can be published.
|