Greetings, discerning gardener. You seek to understand our needs, and for that, we are grateful. To truly thrive, we require a delicate balance—a symphony of moisture, air, and light. Listen closely, and we will guide you.
We are not shy about communicating our state. Observe us closely. When adequately hydrated, our stems stand proud and our leaves are firm and vibrantly green. The most telling sign of thirst is wilting. Our leaves will become limp and droop, especially during the afternoon sun. This is our polite request for a drink. However, do not be fooled by a slight midday wilt on a scorching day; this is often our way of conserving water. If we perk up as the evening cools, you can wait. If we remain wilted, we need immediate attention. Before you reach for the watering can, always check the soil. Push your finger about an inch into the earth near our base. If it feels dry, it is time to water. If it is still moist, please wait.
We despise having perpetually wet feet. Light, frequent sprinkling is a recipe for disaster, encouraging our roots to grow lazily at the surface where they are vulnerable to heat and drought. What we truly crave is a deep, thorough drink that encourages our root system to grow strong and delve deep into the cool, protective soil. Water us slowly at the base, avoiding our foliage, until you see moisture begin to seep from the drainage holes of our container or the ground is saturated to a depth of several inches. This method sustains us for much longer and builds our resilience.
This is our greatest fear. Our roots, like all living things, need to breathe. When forced to sit in waterlogged, compacted soil, they suffocate and begin to decay. This condition, called root rot, is a silent killer. Once it sets in, we cannot uptake water or nutrients, and our above-ground parts will yellow, wilt, and collapse—symptoms that are often mistaken for under-watering. The only true prevention is perfect drainage. Ensure we are planted in well-draining soil and that any container has ample drainage holes. Never let us sit in a saucer of stagnant water.
Our water needs are not static; they change with our environment. During our vigorous growth in the cool springs and mild falls, we may need watering once or twice a week. In the intense heat of summer, our soil dries out rapidly, and we may require a drink every other day or even daily, especially if we are in containers. Conversely, during cool, cloudy periods or in our dormant winter phase, our water consumption drops dramatically. Overwatering during these times is a severe threat. Always let the soil's moisture level, not the calendar, be your guide.
