After bringing potted potato plant back to wilting point to ensure the lower soil was dry enough, I added a layer damp soil to surface to see if surface roots could extract enough water for recovery. Because plant was still wilting one day later, I got nervous of plasmolysis and sprayed new soil with water so dampness went down about 6mm (1/4 inch). Plant started to recover.
If you remember, the last time I tried to damp just the surface, the result was the same. So it looks as if the tiny roots right beneath the surface (this doesn't seem likely) do not take in water and plant uses roots a little lower down (still in top 6 mm). Of course, it might just be that I didn't give roots long enough.
No sign yet of any roots growing into new soil. Will keep it damp and see what happens.
No comments:
Post a Comment