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Alpines

ShepsSheps Posts: 2,236
in Plants

Hi everyone,

I planted up some Alpines yesterday and was wondering how often I should water them. 

They came in 9cm pots and were quite small, so do they need watering more than you normally would until they establish? or is it a case of water when the JI No.2 / Grit mix feels dry?

Thanks

Andy...

Posts

  • ButtercupdaysButtercupdays Posts: 4,546

    It is a case of using your judgement really. It depends on whether they are in the ground or in a container, on the weather, wind and temperature and their aspect. Bear in mind that though they are 'alpines', plants from the nursery have not been grown in alpine conditions and have larger, lusher leaves and a different root system from plants that grew naturally, so they need to acclimatise themselves to the new conditions. Don't let them wilt but expect them to change appearance somewhat as they grow more suitable leaves and don't overwater. They may well get enough from the rain, if we have a 'normal' summer!

  • ShepsSheps Posts: 2,236

    Thank you very much, Buttercupdays...I checked the soil this morning and it felt moist, so I'll just keep checking and if it feels dry I'll give them a little water.

    Thanks for taking the time to help image

    Here they are.

    image

    Sheps...

  • Ladybird4Ladybird4 Posts: 37,905

    Hi Sheps. They look lovely. I agree with Buttercupdays. The worst thing you can do to alpines is overwatering.

    Cacoethes: An irresistible urge to do something inadvisable
  • LiriodendronLiriodendron Posts: 8,328

    I agree with the above.  My dad was an alpine enthusiast, and used to water new plantings - but almost never anything else.  They like really sharp drainage and detest wet feet, so you're more likely to kill them with kindness than with neglect.  

    Those look lovely, Sheps.  :-)

    Since 2019 I've lived in east Clare, in the west of Ireland.
  • ShepsSheps Posts: 2,236

    Thanks for the help everyone, I will watch my watering.

    Shep's...

  • Bonsai-MarcBonsai-Marc Posts: 444

    you have planted in stones, if nice drainage underneath it shouldnt be an issue

  • ShepsSheps Posts: 2,236

    Hi BM...I used a 50/50 mix of John Innes No.2 and Alpine Grit and then covered that with the remaining grit.

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