Importance of soil drying out

[palm789]

As above why is it so important that the soil dries out before and after watering this post refers to both palms in ground and in pots.

[Jim in Los Altos]

Soil should never dry out between watering. Even drought tolerant species do much better with regular water. As a general rule with many palms, let the surface and perhaps and inch or two dry a bit before watering. Some palms, like Archontophoenix prefer constantly moist, even wet soil. I've got several growing with their trunk bases and roots submerged in pond water and they love it. With potted palms, as long as they're planted in the proper potting mix that drains well, you can water several times per week during the warmer months. 

Just curious, where did you read that it was preferable to let all the soil dry out between watering? 

[Jim in Los Altos]

9 minutes ago, Jim in Los Altos said:

Soil should never dry out between watering. Even drought tolerant species do much better with regular water. As a general rule with many palms, let the surface and perhaps and inch or two dry a bit before watering. Some palms, like Archontophoenix prefer constantly moist, even wet soil. I've got several growing with their trunk bases and roots submerged in pond water and they love it. With potted palms, as long as they're planted in the proper potting mix that drains well, you can water several times per week during the warmer months. 

Just curious, where did you read that it was preferable to let all the soil dry out between watering? 

A. Cunninghamiana, purpurea, and alexadrae growing happily in water.

[palm789]

Thanks I was just curious that's all

[Xerarch]

When you said “dry out” I just assumed you meant drying out the top inch or two like Jim said. One reason is that plant roots need air too, just like they need water, even trees that can grow in standing water need to account for this somehow, in the case of bald cypress, that’s what the “knees” are for, to get oxygen, even when roots are submerged. 

I see potted plant novices kill more plants by far by over watering than under watering. This is usually due to a pot that doesn’t drain. Since everyone knows that plants need water they think it’s a great idea to give it water all the time. If the pot doesn’t drain out the bottom, the water just accumulates, suffocating the roots and they start to rot. Then the top starts to die and everyone gets really confused because it has water and it dying. 

[Palm Tree Jim]

5 hours ago, Jim in Los Altos said:

Soil should never dry out between watering. Even drought tolerant species do much better with regular water. As a general rule with many palms, let the surface and perhaps and inch or two dry a bit before watering. Some palms, like Archontophoenix prefer constantly moist, even wet soil. I've got several growing with their trunk bases and roots submerged in pond water and they love it. With potted palms, as long as they're planted in the proper potting mix that drains well, you can water several times per week during the warmer months. 

Just curious, where did you read that it was preferable to let all the soil dry out between watering? 

Well stated.

[Darold Petty]

Small, seedling sized palms are subject to fungus gnats if the medium is kept too wet.  Also, bad fungus is encouraged if the medium is constantly saturated.  This does not mean to let the soil or medium go completely dry.  Water again when it is 'just moist'.  This may sound vague, but with experience you will be able quickly to gauge the moisture level.  I can determine the water needs by the weight of the pot, especially because I use one standard mix for all my potted palms.

Palm 789, there are NO dumb questions, this forum has a wealth of experience to share. 

[BS Man about Palms]

I have found particularly up to a palm of say 2-3 gal size, when in doubt whether to water, DON'T. I have seen Waaaaaaay too many die from overwatering than underwatering. There is a school of thought says the less watering helps build more roots

 

[Sabal Steve]

From my experience, less is more with most small seedlings, and there's not going to be a comprehensive answer.  Often seedlings that look dry, still retain moisture further down.   The more freely draining the soil is, the less you need to worry.  Like Darold, I gauge the weight of a pot, when deciding to water.

Edited April 21, 2018 by The Steve