BCSS - Forum

I've brought all my A. polyphylla into the frost-free greenhouse. Many people say these don't like dry roots, and enjoy a good watering.
Last winter I barely watered my polyphylla's when in the greenhouse, and they actually came through looking really well. I gave them maybe a little splash of water once a month, mostly because I read in many places that they don't like their roots dry.
What do others do? Dry? Never let them dry out?

Here are a few photos of some at the end of last winter.

They won't hurt with watering in winter.
Mine are outside all year round and get very wet, not much frost here though and by now probably nearly all roots and very little compost.

Yup. Both of mine are out and get whatever nature throws at them.
But if it works for you keep doing it!

I did let my youngish plants dry out by mistake this autumn and they shrivelled alarmingly but recovered well within a few days of watering. I won't be doing it again.

My plants indoors get some water about once a month or so too over the winter, similar to my Agave.

Darren S wrote: ↑Mon Nov 13, 2023 5:29 pm I did let my youngish plants dry out by mistake this autumn and they shrivelled alarmingly but recovered well within a few days of watering. I won't be doing it again.

Yeah, when they're growing they'll definitely show it when they are water stresses. Leaves go straight up, but they can recover quickly. Sunstress (leaves turning yellowish) takes a bit more time. I've also had some plants stress after repotting, once even had to resort to repotting a second time, and I noticed lots of roots had died in the few weeks they were in a new pot. Adding more pumice and grit, to get the soil less compact solved that and they recovered remarkably well.