|
|
Post by gerhart on May 3, 2014 8:24:27 GMT
I've been reading about this genus and it's more complicated, or a least different, watering regimen. So I read to keep the soil well drained and dry, and only use the tray method with young plants, but I'm wondering if top watering is ok, or if i should water from the bottom like Cephalotus.
|
|
|
|
Post by tanukimo on May 3, 2014 18:31:21 GMT
I top water mine once every two days. It would not be wise to use a tray system in my opinion, because then the plant would potentially be sitting in water. Just try not to get water onto the leaves.
|
|
|
|
Post by jdallas on May 4, 2014 15:58:39 GMT
Hi Gerhart,
When I first started growing Drosophyllum, every piece of literature warned about the dangers of keeping them too wet, and granted, if you water them like other bog species you'll loose one for sure. However, once a Dewy Pine gets bigger, they drink lots of water. I treat them like houseplants. Get into the habit of feeling the soil. Is it dry to the touch? Give it water. A little leftover water in a tray is no harm as long as it's allowed to use up the water before adding more. I never allow more than a 1/4" to remain. If you're using a larger water tray, water until you get runoff, but then stop. Water again when it feels dry. Just like other plants, some use more water than others, so you just need to get to know your plant. The type of pot it's in will also make a big difference in how much water it uses. If you are seeing a slight wilting, your plant is too dry; water right away.
Jeff
|
|
|
|
Post by theplantman on May 5, 2014 15:27:17 GMT
Hi Gerhart, When I first started growing Drosophyllum, every piece of literature warned about the dangers of keeping them too wet, and granted, if you water them like other bog species you'll loose one for sure. However, once a Dewy Pine gets bigger, they drink lots of water. I treat them like houseplants. Get into the habit of feeling the soil. Is it dry to the touch? Give it water. A little leftover water in a tray is no harm as long as it's allowed to use up the water before adding more. I never allow more than a 1/4" to remain. If you're using a larger water tray, water until you get runoff, but then stop. Water again when it feels dry. Just like other plants, some use more water than others, so you just need to get to know your plant. The type of pot it's in will also make a big difference in how much water it uses. If you are seeing a slight wilting, your plant is too dry; water right away. Jeff I agree completely with this. The success growing of Drosophyllum can be enhanced by thoroughly understanding your growing conditions and knowing how to read your plant. I think the best way is to create good conditions in the first place--clay pot, well-drained soil, appropriate sunlight. Then, at least during the warm months, your chances of rotting the plant with overwatering are very limited. Although my experience with Drosophyllum is significantly more limited than Mr. Dallas, I did find that bone-dry conditions were just as harmful to the plant as overly wet conditions. |
|
|
|
Post by gerhart on Jun 1, 2014 0:07:03 GMT
ok, thanks everyone. seems simple enough. I was just worried about keeping some water in a tray because in Savage Garden he mentions keeping some water present for the first 6-8 months.
|
|
