From my perspective, your question about watering frequency is complex because my needs are not governed by a calendar, but by my immediate surroundings. The amount of water I crave is directly influenced by the intensity and duration of light I receive, the ambient temperature and humidity of my room, the season, and the size of my pot. A rigid weekly schedule is not something I can thrive on. Instead, I need you to understand the signals I give and learn to read the condition of my soil, which is the true indicator of my thirst.
The most reliable way to know if I need a drink is to physically check the moisture level of my soil. Please insert your finger about 1-2 inches into the soil near my base. If the top few inches feel completely dry and crumbly to the touch, that is my signal that I am ready for water. This method is far more accurate than any predetermined schedule. Alternatively, you can lift my pot; a pot that feels very light for its size is a clear sign that the soil has dried out significantly and I am thirsty.
While I reject a strict calendar, I can offer a general rhythm based on the seasonal shifts in the US that affect my growth cycle. During my active growing season in the spring and summer, when sunlight is more abundant and days are longer and warmer, I am metabolizing water much faster. Under these conditions, you will likely need to water me approximately once a week. However, you must always perform the soil test first. In the fall and winter, my growth slows down considerably due to lower light levels and cooler temperatures. My water consumption drops dramatically. During this dormant period, I may only need water every two to three weeks, or even longer. Overwatering during these cooler months is a severe threat to my root system.
Getting my water wrong can cause me significant distress. If you water me too often and my roots are left sitting in soggy, saturated soil, they will begin to rot because they cannot access the oxygen they need. This root rot is a serious condition that can quickly become fatal. My leaves will turn soft, dark brown, and mushy, starting at the base. Conversely, if you forget about me for too long and I become severely dehydrated, my leaves will communicate my distress. They will become pale, lose their rigidity, and the tips will turn crispy and brown. While I am quite drought-tolerant and can recover from under-watering, prolonged neglect will cause permanent damage to my foliage.
When my soil is dry and it is time to water, please do so thoroughly. Water me slowly and evenly around the soil surface until you see water begin to flow freely from the drainage holes at the bottom of my pot. This ensures that my entire root ball has received moisture. It is absolutely critical that my pot has these drainage holes. After watering, allow all the excess water to drain away completely. Never let me sit in a saucer full of water, as this will lead to the root rot I fear. I prefer water that is at room temperature, as very cold water can shock my sensitive root system.
