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I have a large octopus/umbrella tree I just got and I can’t seem to… | Anything about plants 🇺🇸 | Planta-Community

Andeluca23

I have a large octopus/umbrella tree I just got and I can’t seem to get a hang of watering it ! I am watering from the top, I used 2 watering cans filled with water. Water was running out the bottom. I had a moisture reader in and it still said the soil was dry, hovering to moist, back to dry. I placed my finger in the soil this morning and it felt dry! Despite the two big cans of water and water running out. Some leafs are turning yellow too! Any suggestions ? Should I try bottom watering in the tub ? Or is it too large ? Thanks !

4 Likes 11 Kommentare

11 Kommentare

  1. Sunny

    Use wooden meat skewers pushed to the bottom of the pot to check the moisture level. Let the skewers sit in the soil for 10 minutes. The water line on the skewers will show since you just watered. Use them like testing if a cake is baked. Wet soil will stick below the water line indicating the soil has sufficient water. Water meters measure the electrical resistance in the soil and actual moisture levels l. Wet soil is a better conductor than dry soil. I’ve used two meters before. I threw them out when they read opposite readings. The wooden bamboo skewer method is simple, more reliable and the sticks are reusable after drying/cleaning. 🍀🪴

    7 Likes
  2. Kades

    I wonder if your soil is hydrophobic? When you water does the water kind of ball up or run off the top of the soil? Next time you water I’d do it in the tub. Close the drain and start watering with the shower head. let it sit in the accumulated water until the pot feels super heavy (can take hours…) Then let it drain for a long while.

    4 Likes
    • Andeluca23

      I was wondering the same thing!! If I water is with the shower head will the leaves get too wet and damaged ? Is it better to fill up the tub with water and let it bottom water by sitting in the tub of water for 30+ mins ?

      0 Likes
    • Kades

      Ive never had an issue with mine but it probably depends on your water pressure. If you can adjust the pressure or only turn it on part of the way that would be ideal. I try to do like “mid to heavy rain” or what I imagine that feels like 😂 You can always shake the leaves off or use a soft towel so they don’t stay wet as long!

      0 Likes
    • Andeluca23

      Amazing !! Thanks for your help ☺️

      0 Likes
  3. Wolfen 🐺

    I agree it sounds hydrophobic soil. Very common, especially if its a lot of coconut/peat. It really won't get moist unless it's sitting in water. I would repot it with better soil. If you leave it, I'd bottom water it in a tub.

    2 Likes
    • Andeluca23

      Thank you!!

      0 Likes
    • Andeluca23

      Also since it’s so large, how long do you suggest I let it soak for ?

      0 Likes
    • Wolfen 🐺

      I would soak it for 30-60 mins. You can also make it slightly lukewarm vs cold, that will help with the uptake process. I do that for plants i know have been thirsty. It helps perk them up.

      2 Likes
    • Andeluca23

      Thanks so much 😊

      1 Like
  4. Andeluca23

    Thank you so much 😊

    0 Likes