Welcome to my WTF Gardening series, where I take common gardening terms and explain them for those who are new to the world of plants. Find the entire WTF Gardening series here.
You might have heard the word alpine in the context of cosy holidays in log cabins tucked away within snowy mountain ranges, or perhaps in relation to skiing, a thrilling sport that takes place on snow-covered slopes. Wherever you’ve heard or read the word, all things ‘alpine’ have one thing in common: mountains.
This means that alpine plants are also related to mountains. In fact, they are native mountain plants that grow well in the harsh conditions that exist in tundras (a region that has no trees due to its high altitude): harsh and changeable temperatures, unsheltered position, drought, full sun, and poor soil. It doesn’t seem like any plant should be able to grow in this sort of environment, but as the Jurassic Park quote goes, life finds a way.
With its delicate pink petals and unique stork-bill shaped seed pods the alpine stork’s bill flower (Erodium reichardii) is a charming addition to any garden. However, keeping these wildflowers looking their best requires paying close attention to their water needs. Learning to properly hydrate your alpine stork’s bill flowers is crucial.
Here are the top signs to watch for to know when your alpine stork’s bill flowers need water
1. Wilting or Drooping Leaves
The most obvious indicator of underwatering is leaves that are limp wilted or drooping downwards. Alpine stork’s bill leaves that are adequately hydrated should look perky and upright. If you notice the leaves or stems bending over or feeling weak and flexible it likely means the plant urgently needs water.
2. Wrinkled or Shriveled Leaves
Along with wilting, you may notice the alpine stork’s bill leaves becoming wrinkled, puckered or shriveled looking as the plant loses moisture. The leaves will appear sunken rather than smooth and fleshy when dehydrated.
3. Dull, Faded Leaf Color
When an alpine stork’s bill flower lacks water, the leaves can lose their vibrant green hue. Keep an eye out for leaves that appear dull, muted or lighter in color than normal. Proper watering should restore the rich green color.
4. Drooping Flower Blooms
In addition to the leaves, the alpine stork’s bill’s signature blooms will also indicate underwatering stress. The small pink flowers will begin to wilt, droop and lose their petal fullness when the plant gets too dry.
5. Soil Feels Dry to the Touch
One of the best ways to monitor water needs is to check the soil moisture directly. Stick your finger 1-2 inches into the potting mix and if it feels dry and crumbly, it’s time to water your alpine stork’s bill plant.
6. Slow or Stunted New Growth
Underwatering restricts an alpine stork’s bill flower’s ability to put out new growth and foliage. If your plant seems stagnant and you’re not seeing much new leaf or flower production, low soil moisture could be the culprit.
7. Leaf Shedding or Loss
In severe cases of underwatering, an alpine stork’s bill flower will start to shed its lower leaves. Too much moisture loss first causes the oldest leaves to brown, wither and drop off. This is a surefire sign your plant urgently needs hydration.
Correcting Underwatering Issues
If you catch underwatering early, you can usually revive an alpine stork’s bill flower by watering thoroughly until excess drains from the pot’s bottom. Water at the base of the plant, not the leaves. And improve future watering habits by checking soil regularly and watering before it fully dries out.
With a little vigilance, you can easily learn to spot when your alpine stork’s bill plant needs more frequent watering. Keeping it well hydrated will keep the foliage perky and blooms vibrant all season long.
What do alpine plants look like?
Alpine plants are generally small in size and grow low to the ground. A bit like an iceberg, much of the action takes place out of sight; an alpine plant’s root system is usually large and well-developed in order to take in more water and also to ensure the plant doesn’t fly off the side of the mountain in high winds.
Many alpine plants produce flowers. These are, again, usually small in size, but they can be very colourful. Shades range from the bright pinks of the storksbill, to the cherry yellow of dwarf narcissus, to ice white saxifrage.
Some alpine plants are flowerless, and these include mosses, lichen and some grasses.
REDSTEM FILAREE California wildflowers, Erodium cicutarium; Common Stork’s Bill,Heron’s Bill,Pinweed
FAQ
How do you know if flowers need water?
How do you take care of a storksbill plant?
How often do flowers need to be watered?