Dead Nettle has moderate water needs and likes damp conditions, but this plant does not like wet feet. Overwatering will harm Dead Nettle and can cause root rot or possibly mold growth. As a shade-loving plant, Dead Nettle is susceptible to overwatering. Plants that receive increased amounts of sunlight may need water more often. Established plants do not require much water, especially when grown in full shade.
How To Tell If Dead Nettle Needs Watered
Dead Nettle plants that need water will droop or wilt. The foliage may appear dry and turn yellow before withering. It is not always easy to inspect the soil around the plant since Dead Nettle has a creeping growth habit, but you can move the stems aside to observe the ground. If the soil is dry and cracked, then the roots are dry. Yellow foliage is also a sign of overwatered Dead Nettle. Yellow leaf tips indicate too much water, while the entire leaf turning yellow indicates insufficient water.
How Often To Water Dead Nettle
Newly planted Dead Nettle plants need water when the top few inches of soil are dry. Water every few days or as required. Consistently water new plants for the first few weeks.
Established Dead Nettle plants do not need much water. Plants in full shade may not need to be watered during normal conditions, while plants in partial shade will dry out more quickly and may need water occasionally. Water Dead Nettle during a dry period to keep the plant viable.
Potted Dead Nettle may require water daily or when the top few inches of potting mix are dry. Potted plants dry out more quickly, so they need water more often. Feel the soil to gauge the dryness and water when needed.
Best Time To Water Dead Nettle
Mornings are a good time of the day to water Dead Nettle. Drenching the roots early in the day allows the plant to soak up the moisture before the afternoon sun and heat pick up. Water plants in the evening if they show signs of dehydration, but avoid this when possible to reduce overly damp conditions, which can support fungus or mold growth.
How to Water Dead Nettle
Step 1 - Inspect the plant for signs of water stress.
Drooping, wilting leaves with yellow tips indicate the plant is too dry and needs water. Entirely yellow leaves are a sign the plant is overwatered.
Step 2 - Feel the soil to determine if it is dry.
Water Dead Nettle when the top few inches of soil are dry.
Step 3 - Water the ground around the plant when possible.
As a groundcover, it is hard to keep the foliage dry when watering, but try to water the ground as much as possible to prevent mold and fungus.
Dead Nettle Watering Tips
- Monitor the plant for signs of over or underwatering
- Water Dead Nettle plants when the top few inches of soil are dry
- Water in the morning
- Saturate the ground and keep the plant dry
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Author Alison Cotsonas - Published 05-16-2023 |