From my perspective, nestled in this container, my world is defined by the walls of my pot. Unlike my cousins in the open ground, I cannot send my roots deep and wide in search of water. My entire existence depends on what you provide from above. My roots are delicate and fibrous, and they thrive in consistently moist soil. The word "moist" is key here. I do not wish to sit in a soggy, waterlogged swamp, as this will suffocate my roots and invite rot. Conversely, I am not a cactus. If my soil is allowed to dry out completely, even just once, I will become stressed. You will see my vibrant green leaves wilt and my beautiful blooms wither and drop as I enter a survival state, desperately trying to conserve what little moisture I have left.
You do not need a complex schedule to understand my needs; you simply need to observe me. The best way to know if I am thirsty is to touch the soil. Push your finger about an inch down into the potting mix near my base. If the top inch feels dry to your touch, that is my signal. It is time for a drink. On hot, sunny days or during periods of intense blooming, check on me daily. I might need water every single day. On cooler, overcast days, my thirst will be less. My leaves will also tell you a story. A slight droop or wilting, especially in the afternoon sun, is a clear cry for help. If you catch it early and water me, I will often perk back up by evening.
When it is time to water, please do it properly. A mere sprinkle on the surface only encourages my roots to stay shallow, making me more vulnerable to drying out. Instead, water me slowly and deeply at the base, avoiding a heavy shower on my flowers and foliage. Continue until you see water freely escaping from the drainage holes at the bottom of my pot. This is absolutely crucial! This process ensures that every part of my root system has access to moisture and it helps flush out any excess salts that may have built up in the soil. Please, never let me sit in a saucer full of water for more than an hour. After I have finished draining, empty the saucer. My roots need air as much as they need water.
My watering needs are not static throughout the year. In the spring, as I am putting on new growth and preparing to bloom, my thirst increases with the warmer temperatures and longer days. During the peak of summer, I am working my hardest, covered in flowers, and evaporation is rapid. This is when I need your most vigilant attention. However, as the season transitions to autumn and my growth slows, my need for water will diminish. Overwatering me during this cooler, dormant period is just as dangerous as under-watering me in the summer heat. Always let the condition of my soil, not the calendar, be your guide.
