What's the best method of watering my Adam's needle 'Excalibur'?
Misting can be a good way to keep the leaves hydrated but not too soggy. Always make sure that there's good drainage to prevent root rot. The plant can be sensitive to fluoride, which is often common in the public water supply, and this species does not tolerate hard water, especially if it's in its growing stages. Use a watering can or a sprinkler with purified or distilled water. Make sure to evenly water the entire surface of the soil so the stems won't rot. Use distilled water from time to time to avoid the death of the plant, leaf burn, or stunted growth instead of tap water. Another option is to utilize rainwater whenever it's available. Keep the soil moist every time but prevent it from being too soggy if the Adam's needle 'Excalibur' is planted in a pot. If it's outside planted in your garden, you need to have proper drainage and allow the soil to dry completely before you turn on the sprinkler or the garden hose, as this can lead to root rot and yellowing leaves. Some use hydrogen peroxide as a treatment in the water, but this is not recommended for regular use. The hydrogen peroxide will stimulate rainwater but only do this occasionally. A filtration system might also be valuable for removing nitrates, salt, and lead that might be contained in the water.
What should I do if I water Adam's needle 'Excalibur' too much/too little?
Some signs that the plants are not getting enough water are the brown tips on the plant. These species are very sensitive to boron and fluoride that are usually found in tap water, and you might be able to see that they have too much of the minerals when the leaves begin to droop. When the Adam's needle 'Excalibur' is underwatered, the stems also show wrinkles. The leaves can become brown, crispy, and start to dry out. When this happens, water as soon as possible. Another thing about overwatering is that if this happens, then root rot can begin to set in. You need to remove all the damaged roots from the soil, especially if they appear mushy, fragile, and black. To help with these issues, it's important to cut off a larger part of the root. Overwatering can also leave the leaves looking brown and ready to fall off. This can happen very early, so you should drain the excess water and wait for the soil to dry before watering to help the plant recover. Throw away the soil from the pot if there are signs of root rot. Clean everything thoroughly and make sure to put in the pebbles so it will help with proper drainage. Discard any excess water at the base of the pot if you notice tan rings or reddish-brown spots on the leaves.
How often should I water my Adam's needle 'Excalibur'?
The Adam's needle 'Excalibur' is a relatively tough species that is pretty tolerant to drought. This is why you need to water this only about every 1-2 weeks when you feel the soil is bone dry, especially if it is planted in a pot. Water generously until you see that the water begins to trickle down the pot's drainage holes. Make sure to remove the water from the saucer after an hour, and don't let it stand on the pot. When they are planted in your garden, you need to consider the rainfall the plant is receiving. The roots don't like to sit in the water, so make sure to have proper irrigation as part of the landscape. Water 1 time every 2 weeks, especially if you live in a tropical area with plenty of rain and monsoons.
How much water does my Adam's needle 'Excalibur' need?
As a general rule of thumb, you should water Adam's needle 'Excalibur' when you notice that about 2 inch of the top soil is already dry, especially when you grow it outdoors. When planted in the garden, you need to make sure that the Adam's needle 'Excalibur' is getting its watering needs at least once every two weeks. There’s rainwater, seasonal changes, and moisture around the environment to consider so never overwater. This can also apply when the pot is approximately 2 inches dry when it is grown indoors. If they are inside the house or grown in the nursery, try watering more frequently at least once a week since they might not be able to get the rainwater or extra moisture that they need indoors. As long as you notice that the plant leaves are sagging, then don’t hesitate to give them a drink. The roots should be kept moist but not soggy. The best way to water them is to soak the pot and allow the water to drain. Make sure to water only when the soil is partially dry, and don't give them a specific schedule. They are not very thirsty plants, so wait a couple of days before giving them a drink. Well-draining soils can also help them grow and always put them in place with high humidity. Water them every 1 to 2 weeks during the summer when it’s very hot outside. During the growing season and in spring, use the same amount of water as well. They need a lot of water when they are growing so you might want to give them a drink regularly. If it’s winter or fall, know that you should only water every 2 to 4 weeks. This is when you notice that the soil is completely dried out.
How can I ensure that i'm watering my Adam's needle 'Excalibur' adequately?
Most of the time, schedules of bi-weekly or weekly watering should be more than enough for the Adam's needle 'Excalibur'. Wait until the soil is 2 to 4 inches dry, especially if you have adult plants, to avoid excess watering. Pour generously until you see that the water comes out of the drainage holes. No standing water should be allowed, and remove the excess from the saucers. Root rot can happen if there's too much water, so it's always better to give too little than too much for this species. The soak and dry method is more than enough for the plants whether they are indoors or outdoors. The soil around the plant should be completely soaked and make sure to record on an app or in your calendar each time you water. Allow the soil to dry to prevent root rot and help them develop a healthier root system. Water with a sprinkle or a can deep enough to reach the roots to prevent the plant from wilting.
Should I adjust the watering frequency for my Adam's needle 'Excalibur' according to different seasons or climates?
The soil bed or the pots should be moist during the spring or fall. However, prevent them from getting soggy. Reduce watering during winter or towards the end of the fall. Remember that soil that's too dry or too wet might result in plant issues. Allow the Adam's needle 'Excalibur' to dry out before watering, especially in the winter. When there's too much dryness in the soil, use distilled water and saturate them thoroughly. Avoid cold water as much as possible. Occasional misting during the summer or the winter, as well as fertilizer in the spring, can help.
Should I change the watering frequency during the different growing stages of my Adam's needle 'Excalibur'?
Water at least twice a week during its growing season, and you'll find that they can grow quicker. When they are in their early stages, the Adam's needle 'Excalibur' is very sensitive to the minerals in tap water, so it's best to expose them to rainwater or filtered water. While they are young, exposure to unnecessary chemicals can result in stunted growth and discoloration. A balanced fertilizer and watering whenever the soil is dry can help during the growing season. In the growing season, the watering should be 1 to 2 times a week. When it's already established, you might want to water it once every 3 weeks. When you report a grown Adam's needle 'Excalibur', you need to water the soil well to make it damp. You can also wipe the leaves with a wet cloth to keep the insects away and to help them have more humidity during summer.
Should I water my Adam's needle 'Excalibur' differently when I plant it indoors vs outdoors?
Depending on the location of the plants, it's best to water them frequently when they are indoors. Just make sure that they are far away from any heating appliances. The natural humidity of the room can be enough, but the plant might prefer the high humidity outdoors during the summer, especially if it resembles that of a rainforest's habitat. Water the plants once every two weeks and lightly mist them at least thrice every seven days to keep them healthy if they are planted in a pot. One way of checking it is by removing the pot and seeing if the roots are already dry. This is possible with plastic pots, but you can always check with a moisture meter if you can't remove the pot. When grown outdoors, you need to consider the plant's rainwater, especially in spring and summer. You might want to water this once every 1-2 weeks during the summer. Avoid watering this during the late fall and winter, and only provide them a drink when you see brown spots on the leaves. They only need occasional watering when planted in your garden, and you need to transplant them indoors so they can survive the cool conditions during the winter. Some use a lot of mulch during the fall, but when growing in a cold zone, you should consider digging it and transplanting it, watering it occasionally, and waiting for the frost to pass.
What should I be careful with when I water my Adam's needle 'Excalibur' in different seasons, climates, and during different growing periods?
The Adam's needle 'Excalibur' loves high humidity and thrive in it. However, winter is when the humidity is low, and the indoor ones are more susceptible to wilting. Lightly mist the leaves with sprays so you can maintain the healthy growth of the plant in the spring and summer. It would also help to place the plants on trays that are filled with water and pebbles to create humidity around the Adam's needle 'Excalibur' during winter but make sure to drain the saucer afterwards. A high-quality humidifier might also help during winter. Also, use cold water on the plants during winter as this can cause permanent damage and root shock. Allow the water to warm at room temperature before you put it on the plants. Using heating appliances can dehydrate indoor air, so you might want to add more mist. Place the pots near it and let them absorb the mist. Use bottled distilled water whenever possible since these are sensitive to fluoride. When you notice that the tips begin to turn yellow, this is where you might want to do the light misting several times a week. Another thing is when you're using tap water from the local supply, just let it sit overnight. This will reduce chlorine and other chemicals that might be mixed into the water. Distilled water is always the best alternative. During the summer, be careful with overwatering. The brown tips suggest that there's not enough moisture in the air, and you should add some when the Adam's needle 'Excalibur' shows an indication that it’s thirsty.
Why is watering my Adam's needle 'Excalibur' important?
Watering the Adam's needle 'Excalibur' will help them grow beautiful foliage. This species can bring beauty all year round, and you might want to ensure that the leaves remain green regardless of the season. Watering it according to its needs can prevent many problems often associated with too much soil moisture. You can prevent root rot, fungal diseases, and brown tips on the potted plants and those planted on the ground. It's best to use a watering can with tepid water when you notice that the soil is dry on the ground and in the pot. Use lukewarm water and look for signs of yellow foliage. The yellowing leaves are typically a sign that this species needs water. On the other hand, the brown tips indicate that you might be overwatering, so it's best to stop and give the soil time to dry regardless of whether they were planted outdoors or indoors.
How can I prune my Adam's needle 'Excalibur'?
Pruning your Adam's needle 'Excalibur' is a fairly simple process. First, you will need a reliable set of hand pruners or hedge trimmers. You may use a clean pair of sharp scissors if you don’t have pruners or garden shears on hand. It’s important to always clean your gardening tools before and after using them to prevent the possibility of spreading disease or infection to other plants. To prune your Adam's needle 'Excalibur' simply allow your plant to go dormant over the Winter. Some time between late winter and early spring – or when new growth starts to appear – take your clean pruners or trimmers and cut away any dying, damaged, yellow or declining foliage. Repeat this process until you reach the base of the plant or until there are no dead pieces left to cut. When pruning, be careful not to damage the new growth that may be emerging near the base of your plant. These parts cannot be restored and pruning can increase the ventilation of the plants and facilitate their growth. Any pruning that is done to this plant should be cut straight across the blades or stems. No angled cuts are required. Diseased leaf blade foliage can be removed as it appears. This could be done anytime when your Adam's needle 'Excalibur' is growing.
What should I do after pruning my Adam's needle 'Excalibur'?
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 Adam's needle 'Excalibur' a little vitamin boost that can provide it the nutrients needed to better protect itself from any nearby pathogens or diseases. Do not water the Adam's needle 'Excalibur' immediately after pruning as this can lead to fungal infestation of the plants through the wounds. 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 growth.
How can I prune my Adam's needle 'Excalibur' during different seasons?
Early spring and late winter are the best times to prune your Adam's needle 'Excalibur' on a large scale. If you want to control the size of your Adam's needle 'Excalibur', you can prune them as you wish, but be careful not to prune more than a third of the size of the plant. Yellow and diseased leaves may appear during the summer months when the Adam's needle 'Excalibur' is growing vigorously and these types of leaves need to be pruned back immediately. These parts of the Adam's needle 'Excalibur' cannot be restored and pruning increases the ventilation of the plant and facilitates its growth.
When should I prune my Adam's needle 'Excalibur' through different stages of growth?
Strategic pruning is usually done at different times of the year or during certain stages of growth depending on the plant. However, knowing when to prune your Adam's needle 'Excalibur' depends on where you live and how established your plant is. For example, if your Adam's needle 'Excalibur' is a new resident, it’s a good idea to wait until the plant starts to grow back before you start pruning. On the other hand, if your plant is already established, you will want to prune the dry or dead parts in plant before new leafy growth appears in early spring or late winter. This is the time of year when plants are dormant and pruning causes the least damage to them. This is also the best time of year to do more extensive pruning. It’s important to note that if Adam's needle 'Excalibur' is pruned too late in the season, it can leave new growth at risk for damage or disease. However, if your Adam's needle 'Excalibur' is indoors this is not a problem and you can prune at any time. Since this can affect the long-term health and appearance of your plant, it’s important to keep this in mind when deciding when and how to prune. As your Adam's needle 'Excalibur' grows larger over time, you can trim it as needed after annual pruning. Dead, damaged, or diseased leaf blade foliage can be removed as it appears. This could be done anytime when your Adam's needle 'Excalibur' is growing.
How much/long should Adam's needle 'Excalibur' get sunlight per day for healthy growth?
For healthy growth, make sure that Adam's needle 'Excalibur' receives at least 3–6 hours of sun each day. This is actually a minimum requirement—most plants that can handle part sun can also thrive in full sun, but because they require less light for photosynthesis, they are more flexible than plants that require full sun or part shade.
What type of sunlight does Adam's needle 'Excalibur' need?
Adam's needle 'Excalibur' does best with exposure to full or part sun. They will perform best with direct morning light, but in summer they need protection from the strong afternoon sun. In temperate environments, too much hot afternoon sun can burn the leaves, damaging the plant's appearance and health.
Can sunlight damage Adam's needle 'Excalibur'? How to protect Adam's needle 'Excalibur' from the sun and heat damage?
Adam's needle 'Excalibur' planted indoors can easily be damaged by direct sunlight when it's moved outdoors. The best way to prevent sunburns from overexposure is to move pots gradually from a shaded area to a brighter spot, gradually. But even plants that are acclimated to the summer sun can be damaged by extreme heat. In a heatwave, it is important to keep the soil consistently moist so that plants can cope with excessive levels of heat. Moving plants in containers to areas with afternoon shade or erecting a shade cloth over them can protect sensitive Adam's needle 'Excalibur' during extreme weather events.
Does Adam's needle 'Excalibur' need to avoid sun exposure? / Should I protect Adam's needle 'Excalibur' from the sun?
While bright morning sun and some full sun exposure can be highly beneficial for Adam's needle 'Excalibur', the harsh, hot midday sun of summer can be too much to handle. If planted in the ground, the summer sun will usually ramp up slowly enough through the season for Adam's needle 'Excalibur' to gradually adapt to its intensity. But a potted plant that has been indoors or in a protected location will often suffer injury when placed suddenly into a location where the direct summer sun reaches it in the hottest part of the day. To protect this plant from the brutal afternoon summer sun, plant or place it in an understory location where it is shaded at midday by taller trees and plants or by a building or landscape feature.
What will happen if Adam's needle 'Excalibur' gets inadequate sunlight?
When Adam's needle 'Excalibur' receives too little sun, they may become pale green or display drooping, yellow leaves. While some leaf drop is normal, if leaves are dropping but no new ones are growing in to replace them, it is a sign that something is wrong. If Adam's needle 'Excalibur' receiving inadequate light does manage to grow, the new growth is often spindly, pale, and prone to insect infestation. Paying attention to these signs and changing the lighting conditions of the plant will make a significant difference.
Does Adam's needle 'Excalibur' need special care about sunlight during its different growth stages?
Tender, new leaves are especially sensitive to sunburn. Bearing this in mind, very young Adam's needle 'Excalibur' and when it's in a strong growth phase, such as in late spring and early summer, will be more sensitive to harsh sun and heat than the mature one or those in a more dormant fall growth stage. Adam's needle 'Excalibur' fresh from a nursery is also usually not prepared for strong full sunlight and must be introduced to it slowly.
Are there any cautions or tips for sunlight and Adam's needle 'Excalibur'?
Recently transplanted Adam's needle 'Excalibur' will often experience a bit of shock and will need to be cared for carefully, either shaded from bright afternoon sun or placed in a protected area. On very hot days, you may see the leaves of Adam's needle 'Excalibur' drooping—this is usually nothing to worry about. Plants will send the water in their leaves down into their roots to protect them from burning. However, if the leaves are still drooping in the evening or the next morning, the plant needs water. Always avoid watering during the hottest times of day, as sunlight can hit wet leaves and scorch them easily. Adam's needle 'Excalibur' that has been underwatered will be weaker than that with consistently moist soil. This can leave it with weak roots that are unable to protect the leaves on hot, sunny summer days by diverting water away from the leaves. Care for an underwatered plant by giving it a long, deep watering and then allowing the top two inches of soil to dry out before the next watering. Even if it loses its leaves, if cared for properly it will grow new ones.
What is the optimal temperature for Adam's needle 'Excalibur'?
The best temperature for Adam's needle 'Excalibur' to thrive is 65~80℉(18~27℃). During the primary growing phase, the highest temperature tolerable would be 95℉(35℃), while the lowest tolerable temperature would be 15℉(-10℃). This species is tolerant of low temperatures and will survive freezing winters. The perfect, highest, and lowest temperature range: Perfect:65~80℉(18~27℃) Highest:85~95℉(30~35℃) Lowest:-5~15℉(-20~-10℃) or below
Should I adjust the temperature for Adam's needle 'Excalibur' during different growing phases?
Research shows that Adam's needle 'Excalibur' will begin to exhibit signs of stunted growth during prolonged periods of higher temperatures, especially during the development of axillary buds and the growth of main shoots. Keeping the temperatures consistent and cooler, around 65℉(18℃), will encourage vigorous growth after germination or transplanting.
How can I keep Adam's needle 'Excalibur' warm in cold seasons?
Adam's needle 'Excalibur' can withstand freezing temperatures when planted in the ground in areas that don’t get below of 15℉(-10℃) as an extreme temperature during the winter months. But if planted in pots or containers, then their roots must be protected from the winter cold. Do this by wrapping the container in a blanket or bringing it inside where it will be fully protected from the elements.
What damage will Adam's needle 'Excalibur' suffer if the temperature is too high/low?
Greater harm will come to Adam's needle 'Excalibur' if the temperature is consistently too high versus too low. If Adam's needle 'Excalibur' gets too hot, seed germination and photosynthesis efficiency is lessened due to hormone triggers caused by heat stress. The plant will show signs through wilting, leaf browning, and potentially death. If Adam's needle 'Excalibur' gets too cold, plant functions such as nutrient uptake and photosynthesis will cease, resulting in the possible death of the plant. If a single freezing event occurs during the growing season, then a membrane phase transition might occur, which can cause a cease in plant functions and death of the plant.
What tips and cautions should I keep in mind when it comes to temperature for Adam's needle 'Excalibur'?
Keeping the soil temperature consistent is one of the most important strategies to keeping Adam's needle 'Excalibur' healthy, which leads to successful budding, flowering, and new growth. Do this by consistently watering, adding mulch to bare soil, and planting in the shade.
How can I keep Adam's needle 'Excalibur' warm without a heat pad?
Due to the cold tolerance of Adam's needle 'Excalibur', heating pads will not be necessary if planted outside in the ground. If the plant is in an outdoor pot, then bring it inside a heated house and place it in a sunny window during the winter months.
How can I provide Adam's needle 'Excalibur' with an adequate temperature condition?
To ensure adequate temperature conditions are present, plant Adam's needle 'Excalibur' in an area with partial shade. If possible, use afternoon shade to provide the best protection during the hottest part of the day. This will also result in lower temperatures in the soil due to increased moisture retention. If Adam's needle 'Excalibur' is planted indoors, then keep the container away from windows and out of direct sunlight during the summer months to prevent the soil temperature from spiking daily.
How can I save Adam's needle 'Excalibur' from temperature damage?
During the summer or times of high heat, give Adam's needle 'Excalibur' extra shade and water to help cool its leaves, roots, and soil. During cold snaps or growing season freezes, cover sensitive budding vegetation with frost cloth or water using sprinkler systems. If it’s only nearing freezing temperatures for a short period, then water during the day several hours before the freeze. If the temperature is predicted to remain below freezing for an extended period, then keep the sprinkler running until the temperature rises above freezing the following day.
Should I adjust the temperature for Adam's needle 'Excalibur' in different seasons?
Adam's needle 'Excalibur' is a mid-temperature plant that can easily tolerate the typical fluctuations of the seasons and remain a hardy species when planted in maintained landscapes areas, containers, or indoors. Therefore, adjusting the temperature during the different seasons is unnecessary for primary growth. If flowering is stunted or impeded, then allowing the plant to experience a season of winter freeze could help to revive flowering.
Under what conditions should I stop adjusting the temperature for Adam's needle 'Excalibur'?
If it becomes too difficult to lower the temperature for an indoor plant during the summer, then plant it outside in the ground or in a container. Make sure to plant Adam's needle 'Excalibur' in a shaded location and water often to keep the soil moist.