Winter flowering plants

You don't have to resign yourself to Demeter's sadness, because it is possible to embellish your spaces with these plants that bloom in winter.

Tips for caring for winter flowers

The change of season represents a transformation in plant care and cultivation habits and customs. Although winter flowers may be on the list of plants that can withstand extreme temperatures, you should take a few precautions to ensure their well-being. Get to know them and learn their particular requirements.

- Water the plants moderately, as low temperatures can lead to waterlogging and root rot.

- In case you decide to place the plants indoors or under cover, remember that winter flowers are usually plants that can withstand cold and frost, so avoid leaving them in heated or very low temperature spaces.

- If temperatures in your city are extreme and reach 0 degrees Celsius, then you will need to protect your plants. You can do this by covering the base around the plant with dry leaves. This will prevent the roots from freezing.

- Don't skip fertilising during the winter months and before. This will ensure plenty of pretty, colourful flowers to brighten up this cold season.

- Also, consider purchasing and applying a fungicide. At this time of year, due to the excess humidity, plants are more prone to fungus.

The 4 most beautiful winter plants

Pansies

Pansies are the quintessential winter flowers. There are many varieties and almost all of them are frost-resistant plants. They should be planted in an area where they receive full sunlight, because although they resist the cold very well, they require a lot of light to grow.

Be very careful with watering, as there is a risk of root rot if the soil becomes waterlogged or if the substrate is not easy to drain. Water moderately every 2 or 3 days. When watering, you should avoid letting the water touch the flowers as this will cause them to burn. If you want to prolong flowering, cut off faded flowers and the tips of the stems to stimulate the appearance of new buds.

Natural Pine

Pine trees are hardy, centuries-old trees that remain green and radiant even under harsh winter conditions.

In many unscrupulous nurseries, young trees are cut down and placed in a pot with soil and barely survive the month of December. For this reason, it is worth asking about the species of pine tree you are buying, whether it is adapted to life indoors and in a pot. An excellent option is to buy from online plant nurseries, which guarantee the integrity of their plants.

Pine trees are very resistant to extreme climates, both hot and cold, although their ideal temperature is between 10 and 25°C. Watering will depend on the season. In winter it should be watered to keep the soil moist, but be careful not to water the roots, which are very delicate and can easily rot.

Hellebore

It is a group of perennial plants, beautiful and much appreciated for its beautiful flowers, wide and with pretty pistils. It usually flowers between December and March, although some extend this period until May. It is hardy and very adaptable. It prefers shade or semi-shade, it should never be in direct sunlight, as it damages the flowers.

The hellebore requires abundant watering, the soil should always be moist. It does not grow very well in drought or very hot conditions. You can fertilise it once a year with manure and shortly before flowering, use a mineral fertiliser to stimulate the growth of the flowers.

Poinsettia or poinsettia

The poinsettia is a colourful and colourful winter flower that has become an emblematic feature of decorations. Although it is a plant that grows in warm climates, it can tolerate the winter indoors.

It is a plant that prefers bright environments, although you should avoid exposing it to draughts or heating. If you have no choice but to place it in a heated room, spray its leaves first to avoid damaging it.

The substrate should always be kept moist, but avoid wetting the flowers and leaves so that they do not deteriorate. You can use immersion watering, placing it in a bowl of warm water for about 15 minutes and then allowing the excess water to drain off. To ensure flowering the following year, prune the stems, leaving them about 10 cm long. In September-October, cover it completely with dark plastic or thick cardboard for about 12 hours a day. This will stimulate flower growth.