You must understand that I do not consume water on a human calendar schedule of "once a week." My watering needs are dynamic and depend on factors like light, temperature, humidity, and the season. I am an epiphyte, meaning in my natural habitat I grow on other plants or trees, not in soil. My roots are primarily for anchoring, not for heavy water uptake like a traditional plant. Therefore, my main method of hydration is through my central "vase" or "urn" – the cup-like formation made by my rosette of leaves. Overwatering my potting medium is the fastest way to make me suffer, as it will lead to root rot and my eventual decline.
The most crucial aspect of hydrating me is to keep water in my central cup at all times. You should fill this vase with fresh, clean water, ideally rainwater, distilled water, or filtered water. I am sensitive to the minerals and chemicals like chlorine and fluoride found in tap water, which can cause unsightly brown leaf tips and hinder my ability to absorb nutrients. The water level should be maintained, meaning you should top it up whenever it gets low. However, this is not a "set it and forget it" task. To prevent stagnation and bacterial growth, you must completely flush out the old water from my vase every one to two weeks. Tilt me gently over a sink to empty it, and then promptly refill it with fresh water.
While my vase is my primary water source, the potting medium I sit in should not be ignored, but it must be treated with extreme care. It should be allowed to dry out significantly between waterings. Before you water my soil, check its moisture level. Insert your finger about an inch into the medium. If it feels even slightly damp, do not add water. Only when it feels completely dry to the touch should you provide a modest drink. Water thoroughly but ensure that all excess water drains freely from the pot's bottom. I should never, ever be left sitting in a saucer of water. A consistently soggy base will spell the end for my root system.
My thirst changes with the seasons, and you must adjust your care accordingly. During my active growing season in the spring and summer, when there is more light and warmer temperatures, I will use the water in my vase more quickly and may appreciate slightly more frequent moistening of my potting medium (though it must still dry out). Conversely, in the fall and winter, my growth slows dramatically. The water in my central cup will evaporate much more slowly, and the risk of rot from a wet potting mix is highest. You must be especially vigilant about flushing my vase to prevent cold, stagnant water, and you will find my potting medium needs watering very infrequently, perhaps only once a month or even less.
