Finally, evidence that water droplets on leaves don't scorch

Australian conditions vary from one extreme to another. What do you do and when do you do it?
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Redsonic
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Finally, evidence that water droplets on leaves don't scorch

Post by Redsonic »

A very widespread idea, finally investigated scientifically:

Can water burn plant leaves?
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Re: Finally, evidence that water droplets on leaves don't scorch

Post by Steven »

Myth BUSTED! Thanks Dr Karl and Redsonic.

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Re: Finally, evidence that water droplets on leaves don't scorch

Post by Rory »

Generally if the soil is getting dryish and its the middle of the day, I water regardless. I never cared about leaf burn from midday watering or if it was true. A dead tree vs a few scorched leaves was never a theory I was going to test.

I know a lot of people have told me not to water maples during the middle of the day because of leaf burn. I didn't know if this was true or not but after reading this article I will continue to water the trees if and when they need it, regardless if its the middle of a sunny day. Thanks for this article. Very interesting!
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Re: Finally, evidence that water droplets on leaves don't scorch

Post by dansai »

I was under the understanding that potted plants watered on really hot days could suffer because the potting medium, especially in black pots, can become quite hot and when water is added can become very hot and cause issues. If I need to water when its really hot I just do a fine spray over all exposed plants for a few minutes before doing a deep water.
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Re: Finally, evidence that water droplets on leaves don't scorch

Post by Pup »

My theory for what its worth after 30+ years of growing Bonsai. With a modicum of success is. Bonsai growers in general.

Over analyse just about every thing. :palm: :palm: :reading:

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Re: Finally, evidence that water droplets on leaves don't scorch

Post by Jason »

Yeah, I saw a report on it a while back actually. Water drops just cannot focus the suns rays in a way to create heat, the water droplet would need to be held above the leaf for it to focus the rays in a way to burn it :reading:

This is the article i saw: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/science ... unked.html

I remember hearing it a long time back and always thought it was suspect, I mean we'd get burnt after getting out of the pool and not drying properly if that was the case :P maybe thats how freckles are caused? :lol:
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