What is the best way to water my Auricula?
When watering the Auricula, you should aim to use filtered water that is at room temperature. Filtered water is better for this plant, as tap water can contain particles that are harmful to its health. The reason that the water should be at room temperature or slightly warmer is that the Auricula comes from a warm environment, and cold water can be somewhat of a shock to its system. Also, you should avoid overhead watering for this plant, as it can cause foliage complications. Instead, simply apply your filtered room temperature water to the soil until the soil is entirely soaked. Soaking the soil can be very beneficial for this plant as it moistens the roots and helps them continue to spread through the soil and collect the nutrients they need.
What should I do if I water my Auricula too much or too little?
Both overwatering and underwatering will be detrimental to the health of your Auricula, but overwatering is a far more common issue. When this species receives too much water, its stems and leaves may begin to wilt and turn from green to yellow. Overwatering over a prolonged period may also lead to diseases such as root rot, mold, and mildew, all of which can kill your plant. Underwatering is far less common for the Auricula, as this plant has decent drought tolerance. However, underwatering remains a possibility, and when it occurs, you can expect to find that the leaves of your Auricula have become brittle and brown. It is crucial that you notice the signs of overwatering as soon as possible when caring for your Auricula. Some of the diseases that arise from overwatering, such as root rot, may not be correctable if you wait too long. If you see early signs of overwatering, you should reduce your watering schedule immediately. You may also want to assess the quality of soil in which your Auricula grows. If you find that the soil drains very poorly, you should replace it immediately with a loose, well-draining potting mix. On the other hand, if you find signs that your Auricula is receiving too little water, all you need to do is water more regularly until those signs have subsided.
How often should I water my Auricula?
If your plant is in a pot. The most precise way to decide whether your Auricula needs water is to plunge your finger into the soil. If you notice that the first two to three inches of soil have become dry, it is time to add some water. If you grow your Auricula outdoors in the ground, you can use a similar method to test the soil. Again, when you find that the first few inches of soil have dried out, it is time to add water. During the spring and early fall, this method will often lead you to water this plant about once every week. When extremely hot weather arrives, you may need to increase your watering frequency to about twice or more per week. With that said, mature, well-established the Auricula can show an admirable ability to withstand drought.
How much water does my Auricula need?
When it comes time to water your Auricula, you should not be shy about how much water you give. With the first two to three inches of soil dry, this plant will appreciate a long and thorough watering. Supply enough water to soak the soil entirely. The amount of water you add should be enough to cause excess water to flow through the drainage holes at the bottom of your pot. If you don’t see excess water draining from the pot, you have likely underwatered your plant. But do not let the water accumulate inside the soil, which will be very dangerous to the plant as well. Alternatively, a lack of water draining through the pot could indicate poorly draining soils, which is detrimental to the health of this plant and should be avoided. If the plant is outside, 1 inch of rain per week will be sufficient.
How should I water my Auricula at different growth stages?
The water needs of the Auricula can change depending on growth stages as well. For example, when your Auricula is in the first few years of its life, or if you have just transplanted it to a new growing location, you will need to give more water than usual. During both of those stages, your Auricula will put a lot of energy towards sprouting new roots that will then support future growth. For those roots to perform their best, they need a bit more moisture than they would at a more mature phase. After a few seasons, your Auricula will need much less water. Another growth stage in which this plant may need more water is during the bloom period. Flower development can make use of a significant amount of moisture, which is why you might need to give your Auricula more water at this time.
How should I water my Auricula through the seasons?
The Auricula will have its highest water needs during the hottest months of the year. During the height of summer, you may need to give this plant water more than once per week, depending on how fast the soil dries out. The opposite is true during the winter. In winter, your plant will enter a dormant phase, in which it will need far less water than usual. In fact, you may not need to water this plant at all during the winter months. However, if you do water during winter, you should not do so more than about once per month. Watering too much at this time will make it more likely that your Auricula will contract a disease.
What's the difference between watering my Auricula indoors and outdoors?
It is most common to grow the Auricula indoors for any gardener that does not live in temperate and tropical regions. Those gardeners should consider the fact that soil in a container can dry out a bit faster than ground soil. Also, the presence of drying elements such as air conditioning units can cause your Auricula to need water on a more frequent basis as well. if you planted it outside. When that is the case, it’s likely you won’t need to water your Auricula very much at all. If you receive rainfall on a regular basis, that may be enough to keep your plant alive. Alternatively, those who grow this plant inside will need to water it more often, as allowing rainwater to soak the soil will not be an option.
Does my Auricula need to be pruned?
The usual goal for the Auricula is to have it grow as big and full as possible. While the plant doesn’t require consistent trimming, it can benefit by removing old flowers and any damaged, dead, or diseased leaves. You can also trim back the leaves if it is starting to get too big for the pot and space you are keeping it.
When is the best time to prune my Auricula?
Auricula don’t have a winter dormancy cycle at the suitable temperature. With that said, their growth does slow down as the days get shorter, however the leaves don’t die. What does that mean for pruning? It means there’s no specific season where it’s better to prune. Ideally, you will want to wait until the flower blooms before pruning it, which can take about a month after the appearance of the blossom. With deadheading, you’ll want to do this around late spring or when only a few of the blossoms have faded. You should always prune brown or yellow leaves when you notice them. Throughout the growing phase, make sure to pay close attention to any potential diseased leaves and remove these as necessary.
What should I do after pruning my Auricula?
Once you’ve pruned your plant, you should dispose of the stems and leaves either by composting the healthy ones or throwing out the diseased parts. You can also fertilize just before or after pruning, which gives Auricula a little vitamin boost that can provide it the nutrients needed to better protect itself from any nearby pathogens or diseases. You don’t need much after care when you’re done pruning. It might benefit from light watering and some liquid plant food to encourage new blooms and growth.
How can I prune my Auricula during different growth stages?
Chances are you’re not getting the Auricula from seed, which means you’re already getting a mature plant. Since the plant doesn’t have a true dormancy cycle, there are really only two phases: blooming and non-blooming. While the plant is blooming, you should only remove yellow or dead leaves and cut off any brown tips on the leaves. Avoid doing too much pruning during this time as it can stress the plant. Still, you should remove any diseased or dead leaves to keep your plant presentable. The best time to prune is after the blossoms have already wilted. You can remove both the spent blossoms and any old and yellowed leaves at the same time. If you’re noticing a large amount of yellow leaves, you might be overwatering your plant or not giving it enough nutrients. While yellow or brown leaves don’t always mean there’s an issue, if you notice a large amount of leaves shifting colors, it usually means there’s a problem with the plant.
How can I prune my Auricula during different seasons?
As an evergreen plant, Auricula doesn’t have the same cycles as those found in colder areas. The leaves will remain green throughout the year, which is one of the many reasons it is a popular houseplant. If you want to deadhead, you should do so after the blossoms have already wilted. Throughout the growing phase, make sure to pay close attention to any potential diseased leaves and remove these as necessary.
Are there any instructions for pruning my Auricula?
How you prune the Auricula will depend on whether you’re performing general care or deadheading. For general care, simply cut off the blossoms that have already died. Make sure to get as close to the base as possible and snip at a 45-degree angle. Repeat this for all stalks with wilting blooms. After that, trim back any outer leaves that are old and yellowing. If you simply want to thin the plant out, start with the outermost leaf and work your way in. Avoid removing more than 30 percent of the leaves at once. Throughout the growing phase, make sure to pay close attention to any potential diseased leaves and remove these as necessary.
How many hours of sunlight does Auricula need to grow?
Auricula requires about 3-6 hours of direct sunlight each day to thrive. However, it also needs some shade during the hottest parts of the day to prevent sun damage. Morning sunlight is ideal for Auricula, but it can also tolerate some afternoon sun if the temperature is not too hot. To provide the perfect balance of sunlight, try planting Auricula in an area that gets partial sun, such as under a tree or on the east side of a building.
What will happen if Auricula doesn’t get enough sunlight?
If Auricula is exposed to too much direct sunlight, its leaves may turn yellow, dry out, or even burn. You may also notice that the plant wilts or becomes stunted. To prevent sun damage, make sure to give Auricula some shade during the hottest parts of the day. You can use a shade cloth or plant Auricula near taller plants that can provide some natural shade.
What will happen if Auricula gets too much sunlight?
If Auricula doesn't get enough sunlight, it may grow tall and lanky, with sparse foliage. The leaves may also turn yellow or pale green, indicating that the plant is not producing enough chlorophyll due to lack of sunlight. To remedy this, try moving Auricula to a sunnier spot, or prune nearby foliage to allow more light to reach the plant.
What is the optimal temperature for Auricula?
Auricula prefers cooler weather, and has a specific temperature range you can keep it within to maximize growth. For Auricula to be as healthy as it possible can, you could keep them between the temperatures 65~75℉(18~25℃). Auricula can handle higher and lower heat levels, but whenever possible, try to keep the area you grow them in within several degrees of 65~75℉(18~25℃). If you can’t keep Auricula precisely within that range, it doesn’t mean they will stop growing. Auricula can handle a higher and lower range before they begin to suffer damage or reduced growth. On the higher end, that temperature would that would fall between 75~85℉(25~30℃). On the lower end, Auricula can handle temperatures as low as 5℉(-15℃). The higher temperature range is the most important to observe, as Auricula prefers cooler environments. Letting temperatures get above the upper range may cause growth to slow, and having Auricula above 85℉(30℃) could result in the plant dying.
Does Auricula require different temperatures for different growing phases?
Too much heat early in the growing stages of Auricula may give it an unhealthy appearance, so it's important to keep your growing space between 65~75℉(18~25℃). You’ll want to stay in the colder part of this range as Auricula, but make sure not to go below -5℉(-20℃). Extremely cold temperatures can hinder growth at any stage for Auricula, though they aren’t nearly as damaging as extremely hot temperatures. If temperatures are kept high during the budding stage, Auricula may not flower at all.
Three tips for keeping Auricula temperature under control
Tip #1: Grow in the Coldest Room of Your Home If you plan to grow Auricula indoors, make sure to choose the coldest room of your home. This will usually be on the side of your house that doesn’t experience the harsh heat that the sun can produce in the middle of the day. At the same time, you’ll need to ensure the room does get a healthy amount of sunlight. While you’ll want to spare your plants from the brightest and hottest part of the day, zero sunlight can drastically reduce Auricula ability to grow. Tip #2: If Auricula Doesn’t Flower Properly, It May Be Too Hot The growing season for Auricula, spring and early summer, can occasionally come with high temperatures. These fluctuations can negatively affect the growing stage of Auricula, causing flowering buds to change into non-flowering buds. These buds will open partially, or in some cases not at all, causing Auricula to lose some of its aesthetic quality. It's important to stay in the range of 65~75℉(18~25℃), for that reason, so your Auricula can flower to its full potential. Tip #3: Avoid Frost While Auricula can tolerate lower temperatures, as low as -5℉(-20℃), it will not do well if it encounters significant frost. If left out in the colder temperatures of late fall or winter, Auricula will begin to show the signs of frost damage. To recognize the signs of frost damage, you’ll look for several key aesthetic changes. First, parts of Auricula will begin to wilt. Then, those sections will start to become discolored, eventually turning brown or black as they die. Any parts of Auricula that turn these colors cannot be saved, and will have to be pruned if you intend to keep the plant alive.
Does Auricula need different temperatures for different seasons?
It's important to keep the temperature of your growing area steady regardless of season. If you live in an area with harsh winters or very hot summers, it may be best to put your plants inside. That way, you can keep them in a cool room where Auricula would be able to grow in the best possible conditions. If you do leave your plants outside, make sure to observe the temperature closely. If the summer’s get especially hot in your climate-zone, make sure that your plants aren’t exposed to temperatures above 85℉(30℃). This will dehydrate and damage Auricula quickly, and before long, they will begin to die.
What is the best way to maintain the right temperature for Auricula?
If you intend to place Auricula outside, you’ll want to make sure that it has shade from the heat of the midday sun. While Auricula does need plentiful sunlight to grow to its full potential, direct sunlight can cause a rise in temperature and damage certain elements of the plant. Choose an area that has shade providing structures or tall trees that can shield Auricula from the hottest parts of the day. If your climate isn’t appropriate for Auricula or you don’t have the proper space in your garden, you can also plant them inside. Controlling the temperature is much easier indoors, and having proper fans, ventilation, or an A/C unit will allow you to stay within the optimum range of 65~75℉(18~25℃).
Why do I need to fertilize my Auricula?
Fertilization is important to the Auricula for several general reasons. Mainly, fertilization helps Auricula and other plants by providing key nutrients that help the plant grow both above and below ground. However, the overall fertilization needs for a Auricula are relatively low. At times, a Auricula may survive well without fertilization. However, annual fertilization is can be very beneficial to the Auricula, as it will help keep the plant alive and may also encourage your Auricula to create better flowers that last for longer. As such, those interested in helping their Auricula look its best should keep up with annual fertilization.
When is the best time to fertilize my Auricula?
The ideal time to fertilize a Auricula is in the late winter to early spring. During that time, your Auricula will be exiting its dormant phase and entering a phase of active growth. Fertilization at this time allows the plant to get off to a great start for the season by encouraging healthy growth. While it is generally most advantageous to fertilize a Auricula during the early spring, it is also permissible to fertilize a Auricula during the fall too. However, summer and winter remain the seasons in which it is not a good idea to feed a Auricula.
When should I avoid fertilizing my Auricula?
You should not fertilize your Auricula during any time of the year except during the late winter and early spring. The low fertilization needs of this plant allow a single annual feeding to suffice. Continuing to fertilize throughout spring, summer, and fall can easily lead to overfertilization and all of the complications that can come with it. The only exception is if you did not fertilize in spring, which means that it is permissible to feed this plant in fall. Along with refraining from fertilizing for most of the growing season, there is also no reason to fertilize this plant during the winter. In winter, the Auricula will be in a dormant growth phase, meaning that it does not put forth new growth. With that being the case, fertilization during most of the winter is not advisable.
What type of fertilizer does my Auricula need?
Nearly any kind of general-purpose fertilizer with a balanced amount of the three main plant nutrients will work well for a Auricula. However, there are a few specific nutrient blends that can be even more beneficial. For instance, many gardeners follow the belief that higher volumes of phosphorus make for stronger roots and better flowers. Since Auricula is a flowering plant, applying a phosphorus-rich fertilizer may be the best approach. You can use a fertilizer that comes in a granular form or a liquid form as long as there are plenty of nutrients present. Outside of manufactured fertilizers, you can also use more organic means to improve the soil for your Auricula. Mainly, compost, manure, and similar materials can go a long way towards creating a healthy growing medium for your Auricula.
How do I fertilize my Auricula?
The most common way to fertilize a Auricula is to apply a granular or pellet fertilizer to the soil around your plant. Remember that the ideal time to fertilize is as the plant is exiting its winter dormant growth phase and entering a phase of active growth. In early spring, wait until the plant begins to send shoots through the soil, and then apply your fertilizer. Some people may choose to use a liquid fertilizer instead of a granular one. In that case, you should dilute the fertilizer with water before applying it. Regardless of whether you use granular or liquid fertilizer, it is always best to moisten the soil before, during, and after you apply fertilizer.
What happens if I fertilize my Auricula too much?
As you care for your Auricula, recall that this plant does not need a lot of fertilizer each year and will begin to suffer if it receives too much. Firstly, any overfertilized plant runs the risk of fertilizer burn, a condition in which excessive amounts of fertilizer draw nutrients and moisture out of the plant's roots, causing its decline. Also, overfertilizing a Auricula is also a way of weakening your plant and making disease far more likely. There is also a potential that overfertilization could cause your Auricula to flower less or not at all, which is a significant detriment considering the blooms of this plant are what make it so valuable and sought after by so many gardeners.