just a quick question about watering?

[Ray]

1. Water will do nothing to cause a "burn" on a plant in sunlight. If the velamen on the roots gets translucent, more photosynthesis can occur. If they get too warm, the water will evaporate and cool the tissue down.
2. Wetness of the medium does not cause root rot, either - not directly, anyway. If it blocks the air flow paths through the medium by clogging the macroporosity, then it can suffocate the roots, which then die and rot.
3. The primary reason for watering early in the day is to allow water that gets on the plant, particularly in the leaf axils or "crown", to dry out before nightfall. The standing water is a great breeding ground for bacteria and fungi, and cooler nighttime temperatures favor that growth.

[Sandra Billeter]

Every reference we've seen and talking to commercial growers too says to water in the AM so the plants and roots have a chance to dry out before the cooler night time temps. In the summer, we don't care about getting water in the crown because it will evaporate before night. However, in the winter we use a watering can and try not to get any water in the crown or wick it out with a paper towel if we do. In the natural state, the total plant (including the crown) gets wet in a rain storm. We feel the key is air movement and time to dry out before night time.

Sandra in South Carolina

[phillip]

Suggest watering in morning with rainwater or RO water. I do not believe that misting does any good. Too much watering may encourage insects.
Phillip

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