First, you must understand what I am. I am not a tropical plant that craves constant moisture. I am a succulent, a proud resident of arid, sun-drenched environments. My thick, bulbous base, called a caudex, is not just for show; it is my personal water reservoir. I have evolved to store significant amounts of water within my tissues to survive extended periods of drought in my native habitat. My watering needs are dictated by this fundamental biology. Overwatering is the single greatest threat to my life indoors, as it will cause my water-storing caudex and roots to rot, a condition from which I may not recover.
You must abandon the idea of a fixed calendar schedule, such as "every Tuesday." My thirst is governed by environmental conditions that are constantly changing. The correct method is to check the moisture level of my soil. Please insert your finger or a wooden stick about 2 inches deep into the potting mix. If the soil at that depth is still moist, I am perfectly content and do not need a drink. If it is completely dry, then it is the ideal time to water me thoroughly. This "soak and dry" cycle perfectly mimics the natural desert rains I am adapted to, followed by a period of drought.
My activity level changes dramatically with the seasons, and your watering routine must adapt accordingly.
During the spring and summer, I am in my active growth phase, fueled by longer daylight hours and warmer temperatures. I will be using more water to support new leaf and flower production. Consequently, you will need to check my soil more frequently. Under warm, bright conditions, this may mean a deep watering every 5 to 7 days, but always let the soil dryness be your guide.
In the fall and winter, I enter a period of dormancy or significantly slowed growth. With cooler temperatures and less intense light, my water consumption drops to nearly zero. During this time, you must water me very sparingly. Allow the soil to become bone dry and then wait even longer—perhaps another week or two. Winter watering might only be required once a month or even less, just enough to prevent my roots from desiccating completely.
Several factors in your direct control influence how quickly my soil dries out. I absolutely require a pot with excellent drainage holes. My soil must be a very gritty, extremely well-draining mix, often specifically formulated for cacti and succulents. A heavy, moisture-retentive potting soil will suffocate and rot my roots. Furthermore, my location in your home is crucial. If I am sitting in a hot, sunny window, I will need water more often than if I am in a cooler, shadier spot. Homes with forced-air heating tend to be very dry in winter, which may cause the soil to dry slightly faster even during dormancy.
