How much sun...

9 years ago

I still have my babies on my patio table with a huge umbrella over them all day. I think they get about an hour's worth of sun in the morning and the very last rays of sun in the afternoon. Should they be in full sun at this stage or not yet? If yes, then what amount is full sun, 6 or 7 or 8 hours?? Also, the 5-1-1 mix they are in right now has slow release fertilizer. Is that enough for now or should I start with weak feedings of FoliagePro? Thanks in advance!!

(No twins, no willys. I'm very disappointed. Lol) *inside joke*

Featured Answer

User

9 years ago

Yayi, yes these can have some more sun now - just do it slowly over a couple of weeks or so. For instance an extra hour of sun in the morning to start with - without the umbrella over them. Increase the amount of sun every few days or so until they have acclimatised to full sun. (Morning sun is usually more gentle than afternoon sun). They should be protected from the hottest sun until they are a bit bigger and thicker.

Keep an eye on how much water they need as the sun is increased. You can let the very top part of the soil dry out a little in between waterings, but I would not let them go fully dry. Your pots are deeper and the soil may be wet deeper down - But, your babies roots will only be within the top inch or so of soil....so that is the area that needs to be kept moist.

As for fertiliser, I wouldn't think they'd need any additional fertiliser for a while as your soil mix should be providing that.

Someone from your area might be better to advise you on fertiliser with your soil mix, as I don't want to give the wrong advice there....always good to get opinions of others, especially those from your area. Happy growing. :)

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Comments (14)

ariel7576 (Puerto Vallarta, Mex.)
9 years ago
What's a Willy?
ariel7576 (Puerto Vallarta, Mex.)
9 years ago
OMG, disregard ^

:-)
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Yayi (SouthFL 10b)
Original Author
9 years ago
Thank you very much Rachel! I'll get out early on Saturday and map the sun across my yard so I can plan exposure for the next few weeks.
User
9 years ago
Yayi, don't worry too much, just do it slowly and all will be fine.

If you will be at work during the day and are concerned about them having too much sun too quickly, you can also place them under a tree that gives dappled sun (part sun, part shade) for the first week as they are getting used to more light. Water in the morning, before going to work. Keep up the good work, your babies are doing very well so far. :)
Yayi (SouthFL 10b)
Original Author
9 years ago
Thanks again Rachel. Your advice is appreciated and I will definitely follow it.
bragu_DSM 5
9 years ago
actually, with today being the first day of summer, chart the shadows in the yard. the shadows will not get much sun all year.
Yayi (SouthFL 10b) thanked bragu_DSM 5
Yayi (SouthFL 10b)
Original Author
9 years ago
Can any of you lovely people tell me why this little baby has yellow, almost white, leaves? They were green before.
rcharles_gw (Canada)
9 years ago
Yayi, Most likely a Variegated form. With the leaves being solid in color.

They do not always stay as variegates, but I hope it does, Yayi.

Maybe keep this one in just a little less than full/hot sun all day.

Rick
Yayi (SouthFL 10b)
Original Author
9 years ago
Thank you Rick. I was worried that something was wrong with it. I'm new to this so I wouldn't know how to spot a problem that's not obvious. I looked up a few variegated adeniums and they are beautiful. Maybe I'll get lucky!
Hyn Patty, Western NC Mountains (USA)
9 years ago
I agree with everything Rachel said. Ease them into sun and they'll probably be fine. Your seedling with pale leaves could be variegated but more likely since you said they were green leaves that turned that color, it probably got sun burned. If it was wet when in the sun that can amplify the sunlight like a magnifying glass to burn them even more. If it is though, it'll recover and bounce back in time so not to worry. Just don't let them get sun when they are wet nor as Rachel said, not too much late afternoon sun too fast. They'll also burn more easily if they are allowed to dry out too much.
Peter Newcastle Aust spider mite breeder
9 years ago
You need a willy in your family
Yayi (SouthFL 10b)
Original Author
9 years ago
No willy, but I have a cute runt. Lol
Marie Tran
9 years ago
Yayi, good looking seedlings.

Marie