First, you must understand my language. My leaves are my primary way of communicating. If I am overwatered, my roots are suffocating in soggy, oxygen-deprived soil. You will notice my leaves becoming soft, limp, and turning a pale yellow, often starting with the lower leaves. The soil will feel wet and clumpy for a long time. In severe cases, my stems may become mushy. Conversely, if I am underwatered, I am desperately conserving water. My leaves will become dry, crispy, and brown, particularly at the edges. They may droop, curl inward, or even wrinkle. The soil will pull away from the edges of the pot and feel dust-dry to the touch deep down.
If my soil is waterlogged, immediate action is required. Please stop watering me! Gently lift me out of my pot to assess the damage. Healthy roots are firm and white or tan. Rotten roots will be mushy, brown, and smell foul. Using sterile shears, carefully trim away all the rotted roots. Be ruthless; any remaining rot will spread. Repot me into fresh, well-draining potting mix, ideally one amended with perlite or orchid bark for aeration. Ensure the new pot has excellent drainage holes. Do not water me immediately after repotting. This gives my wounded roots a chance to callous over and prevents further rot. Place me in a spot with bright, indirect light and good air circulation to help the soil dry appropriately.
If I am severely dry, a simple surface watering will not suffice. The water may just run down the inside of the pot without moistening the root ball. You must give me a thorough, deep watering. Take me to a sink or bathtub and water me slowly and evenly until water flows freely from the drainage holes. Wait a few minutes, and then do it again. This ensures my entire root system and the soil mass are fully rehydrated. Allow all the excess water to drain away completely; do let me sit in a saucer of water. I will appreciate a boost in humidity. You can mist my leaves, place a humidifier nearby, or set my pot on a pebble tray with water. This reduces the stress on my system as I recover.
To avoid repeating this cycle, please learn my watering needs. I do not like a strict schedule. Instead, check my soil moisture regularly. The best method is to stick your finger about two inches into the soil. If it feels dry at that depth, it is time to water me thoroughly. If it still feels moist, wait. I prefer bright, indirect light and warm temperatures away from cold drafts or heating vents. A consistent environment where my soil is allowed to dry out partially between deep waterings is the perfect recipe for me to thrive and grow into the strong, glossy-leaved specimen you desire.
