From my perspective, my roots are my entire life support system. I am not a deep drinker; my roots are relatively shallow and fibrous, spreading out near the soil surface to absorb every drop of moisture available. This means I am incredibly efficient at using water, but it also makes me vulnerable. I cannot reach deep into the earth for hidden reservoirs like some plants can. I rely entirely on what you provide from above. The soil around my base is my world; its moisture level dictates my ability to transport nutrients, keep my stems firm, and perform photosynthesis. When that top layer of soil dries out completely, my roots begin to panic, and my whole system starts to shut down.
I crave consistency. My ideal watering scenario is what you might call the "Goldilocks" principle: not too much, not too little, but just right. I want a deep, thorough drink that saturates my entire root zone. This encourages my roots to grow stronger and deeper, making me more resilient. Please water me slowly at my base until you see water begin to drain from the bottom of my pot or until the soil in the garden bed is moist several inches down. Then, I need you to wait. I need the top inch or two of soil to dry out before you water me again. Poke your finger into the soil near my stem. If it feels dry up to your first knuckle, it’s time for another drink. If it still feels cool and damp, please wait. This cycle of "soak and dry" is perfect for me.
You must understand the two extremes that terrify me. The first is drought. When I don't get enough water, I cannot cool myself through transpiration. My leaves will wilt, curl, and feel limp to conserve what little moisture I have left. My beautiful flowers will close and droop sadly. If this continues, my growth will stunt, my leaves will turn crispy and brown, and I will eventually perish. The other, perhaps more sinister danger, is overwatering. If my roots are constantly sitting in soggy, waterlogged soil, they cannot breathe. They will rot, turning mushy and black. This root rot is a silent killer; by the time my leaves above ground turn yellow and wilt, the damage below is often severe and sometimes fatal.
My thirst is not constant throughout the year. During my active growing and blooming seasons in the spring and summer, I am working incredibly hard. The sun is strong, and the days are long, so I need frequent drinks to support all this energy output. This is when you must be most vigilant. However, as the days shorten and temperatures cool in the autumn, my growth slows. I need far less water to survive. In winter, if I am in a climate where I go dormant, I need just enough water to prevent my roots from completely desiccating—a mere sip compared to my summer needs. Always adjust your care to the rhythm of my life and the weather.
