From our perspective, water is the river of life that flows through our entire being. It transports essential nutrients dissolved in the soil up through our roots and stems to our leaves and flowers. It is also crucial for photosynthesis, the very process that allows us to create our own food using sunlight. However, our roots are not just straws; they need to breathe. The soil around us must have pockets of air. If you drown us in constant moisture, you suffocate our roots, leading to rot and a swift demise. Therefore, our ultimate request is not for constant water, but for deep, infrequent drinks that encourage strong root growth and then allow the soil to dry appropriately.
When we are newly planted in your garden or container, our root systems are small, underdeveloped, and confined to the original root ball. During this critical establishment period (the first few weeks), we are vulnerable. We need consistent moisture to help our roots expand into the surrounding soil. Please water us regularly, ensuring the soil remains lightly moist but never soggy. Think of it as a gentle encouragement for our roots to venture out and seek water, making us stronger and more self-sufficient plants for the future.
Once we are established, our true, drought-tolerant nature shines through. Our deep root systems have now learned to seek water far below the surface. At this stage, overwatering is your greatest offense against us. We much prefer a thorough, deep soaking that penetrates the soil to a depth of at least 6-8 inches. This encourages our roots to grow downward, making us incredibly resilient. Then, you must allow the top few inches of soil to dry out completely before watering us again. The best way to check is to stick your finger into the soil near our base. If it feels dry 1-2 inches down, it is time for another deep drink.
While our general rule is "deep, infrequent watering," our needs can fluctuate based on our environment. If we are planted in containers, we will dry out much faster than our siblings in the ground and will require more frequent checking. Intense heat and full sun exposure will cause us to use water more quickly. Conversely, during periods of cool weather, cloud cover, or rain, we will need far less from you. The type of soil also matters; sandy soil drains quickly and may require more frequent watering, while heavy clay soil holds moisture longer and demands greater restraint from the watering can.
We communicate our discomfort clearly through our foliage. If we are thirsty and underwatered, our leaves will become limp, wilt, and may feel dry or crispy to the touch. Our growth may also stall. However, please do not panic at the first sign of midday wilt on a scorching day; this is often temporary. If we are still wilted in the cooler morning, then we need water. More dangerously, if you have overwatered us, our leaves will turn yellow and feel soft and mushy. The stems may blacken at the base, and the entire plant will look unhealthy. This is a far more serious condition and is often difficult to reverse.
