I have successfully (so far!) kept my Daphne plant alive for the past 6 months (purchased start of spring - I reside in Australia). It has been kept in its original pot and is growing well. The trouble is, we had a really hot day recently (it is our summer now) and I accidently left it to 'soak' overnight in a bowl of water. The plant seems ok, and it has been about 2 weeks since this happened. I am worried though that it might have sodden/rotten soil and wonder if it would be a good idea to re-pot now, considering it is growing well and seems relatitvely strong. Is there any advice as to what I should do considering it has been through a water overload?
Hope for the best. If it doesn't wilt, it apparently came through OK. Repot when roots are approaching walls of pot. As long as you have had it very likely it's overdue.
thanks Ron - wouldn't you believe it, I have just rechecked on the plant and it is indeed wilting. This morning it was fine - sturdy and strong. Considering the wilting, should I still go ahead and repot?
If not actually dried out at this point probably a goner, from root rot, which like many other plants daphnes are prone to. Hot + wet = rot, some plants just can't be grown in hot climates even when other factors suitable because they are so susceptible to water molds.
hmm thought as much. Right well, I'll keep an eye on it and see how it goes. Thank you Ron - if it performs a miracle and recovers, I shall let you know.
You know, it is weird - my plant keeps coming good. I put it on the other side of the house and it perked up again. Do you think it might be ok? The soil does not have a moldy odour and it is starting to dry out. I am wondering if I should just leave it alone completely or if it will in fact need some more water at some stage. At which point should I give it some more? Weekly? Every second day? I am determined to keep this daphne alive and to see it flower.
Keep evenly moist. Frequency depends on exposure and weather there, no way for me to know how often you will have to water it. And this will change with changing conditions there. Probably sun beating on pot caused wilting which stopped when moved into shade. Not that it HAS to be infested, but water molds attacking root system might make this kind of wilting occur. If needs bigger pot you can look at roots at same time and see if they are healthy looking or if they appear to be deteriorating. Water molds swim into roots during wet conditions and cause them to break down.
