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Osteospermum plugs

Anne BatesAnne Bates Posts: 3
in The potting shed
I am planning to go on holiday for 12 days and wondered if newly potted up Osteospermum plug plants would be ok on a capillary matting watering system while I'm away?

Posts

  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    Perhaps try it out for several days first so you can monitor how well they take up water from the matting. That would also allow you to work out how much water you need to leave in the reservoir to last 12 days.
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • Anne BatesAnne Bates Posts: 3
    Many thanks Jenny. I wasn't too sure if Osteospermum don't like to be in wet compost.
  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    They don't want to be drowned and they'll take some dryness but 12 days might be too much for young plug plants, presumably indoors. I don't know whether the capilliary matting just replaces the moisture that's been used (or evaporated) or whether they would get too wet, which is why I suggested a trial before you go away. Best would be to get someone who knows what they're doing to come and water your plants, but that might not be possible.
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • Anne BatesAnne Bates Posts: 3
    Thank you. Will do a trial to see how they get on.
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