Hello. I am your jasmine plant. You ask how often I need water, but I must tell you: I do not live by a calendar. My thirst is a response to my environment, a conversation between my roots, the soil, the pot, the sun, and the air. A rigid schedule of "once a week" will often lead to my suffering, either from drought or, more commonly, from drowning. My roots need both water and air. When you saturate my soil constantly, you push out the vital oxygen, and my roots will begin to rot, a silent death sentence from below.
The most reliable way to understand my needs is to touch me. Please insert your finger into my soil, down to about the second knuckle. This is the best way to hear what I'm saying. If the soil at that depth feels:
Dry: This is my signal. I am ready for a drink. Please proceed to water me thoroughly.
Moist or Cool: I am still content. Please check again in a day or two. I do not need water at this moment.
Wet or Soggy: You have been too generous. This is dangerous for me. Allow me to dry out significantly before even considering more water.
When my soil tells you I am dry, please water me properly. A timid sprinkle on the surface only encourages my roots to stay shallow, making me weaker. Instead, water me slowly and evenly at the base of my stems until you see water begin to flow freely from the drainage holes at the bottom of my pot. This ensures that the entire root ball has been moistened. Please allow all excess water to drain away completely. Never let me sit in a saucer of standing water, as this will create the root rot conditions I fear.
My water consumption is directly linked to my growth cycle and the amount of light and heat I receive.
Spring and Summer: This is my time to grow and bloom! The days are longer, the sun is brighter, and I am actively using energy. I will drink much more frequently during this period. You may need to check my soil every few days.
Autumn and Winter: The light is lower, and the temperatures are cooler. I have entered a period of rest. My growth has slowed dramatically, and my water needs are minimal. The soil will take much longer to dry out. During this time, you must be especially cautious and water me very infrequently, perhaps only every two or three weeks, always guided by the finger test.
Beyond seasons, other factors influence my thirst. If I am in a small clay pot, I will dry out faster than if I am in a large plastic pot. If the air in your home is very dry due to heating or air conditioning, I may need water more often. If I am positioned in a very bright, hot south-facing window, I will be thirstier than if I am in a cooler north-facing spot. Please consider all these factors when you listen to me.
