From my perspective, my roots are my lifeline. When you provide too much water, you are essentially suffocating me. The soil becomes saturated, driving out all the oxygen pockets that my roots desperately need to breathe and function. This waterlogged environment is a death sentence; it causes my delicate root hairs to rot, turning them from firm and white into a mushy, brown, and foul-smelling mess. Without these healthy roots, I cannot uptake water or nutrients, no matter how much you give me. The first signs you will see are my leaves becoming soft, limp, and developing widespread yellowing, often starting on the lower, older leaves. You might also notice the soil has a persistently wet, swampy smell, and the base of my stem may feel soft and unstable.
Conversely, when you forget to water me, you are subjecting my entire system to a drought. My soil becomes bone dry, pulling away from the edges of my pot. Without adequate moisture in the soil, my roots have nothing to absorb and transport up through my stems to my leaves. To conserve the precious little water I have left in my tissues, I am forced to take drastic measures. My large, rubbery leaves will begin to droop and wilt, becoming limp and lifeless. However, unlike the softness of overwatering, they will feel dry, thin, and brittle to the touch. The most telling sign is the browning of my leaf tips and edges, which then crisply spreads inward. This is a direct result of the dehydration and death of my leaf cells. You may also see my leaves start to curl inward or cup in a last-ditch effort to reduce their surface area and minimize further water loss.
To truly understand my needs, you must engage with me beyond a superficial glance. Do not rely on a schedule; rely on the evidence I provide. The most reliable method is to check my soil's moisture. Insert your finger or a wooden stick two inches into the soil. If it comes out clean, dry, and with no soil stuck to it, I am thirsty. If it comes out wet, muddy, and with soil clinging to it, I am drowning. Heft my pot; a pot that feels surprisingly light for its size indicates a serious need for water, while a heavy, waterlogged pot signals overwatering. Finally, observe the pattern of leaf distress. Widespread yellowing and soft, dropping leaves point to overwatering. Localized, crispy brown edges and general droopiness on dry, brittle leaves are my plea for a drink.
