From our perspective, the root system, bottom watering is the most natural and efficient way to drink. Unlike top-watering, which can be a sudden, forceful deluge that compacts the soil around our delicate roots and often runs off without fully saturating the medium, bottom watering is a gentle invitation. We can draw up moisture at our own pace, ensuring a thorough and even hydration from the very bottom of our root ball to the top. This method encourages our roots to grow downward and outward, seeking the water source, which in turn builds a stronger, healthier, and more resilient root system. It is a far less stressful experience that mimics the natural capillary action we would perform in our native environments.
To perform this correctly, you must provide a suitable vessel. Please place our pot, which must have unobstructed drainage holes in its base, into a sink, basin, or tray. Then, pour room temperature water into this outer container, not onto our soil. The water level should reach about one-quarter to one-third the height of our pot. Please allow us to sit in this pool of water. We will begin to absorb the moisture through our drainage holes immediately. The entire process typically takes 15 to 30 minutes. You will know we have had enough when the top surface of the soil feels moist to the touch. If the top is still dry after 20 minutes, you may add a little more water to the tray.
Once our soil surface is moist, your job is not yet complete. It is absolutely imperative that you do not leave us sitting in the water. After we have finished drinking, you must remove our pot from the water-filled tray and let the excess water drain out completely. Place us in a sink or on a drain rack until all gravitational water has ceased dripping from the holes. This step is non-negotiable. While we Begonias enjoy consistent moisture, our roots are highly susceptible to rot in oxygen-deprived, waterlogged conditions. Standing water suffocates us, creating an anaerobic environment where harmful pathogens thrive. Proper drainage ensures our roots have access to both the water we need and the vital oxygen we must breathe.
You should not water us on a rigid schedule. Instead, you must learn to read our cues and the condition of our soil. Before even considering bottom watering, please check the soil moisture. Insert your finger about an inch into the soil; if it feels dry, then we are ready for a drink. During our active growing season in spring and summer, we will likely require this hydration method more frequently due to increased light and warmer temperatures. In the autumn and winter, when our growth slows, our water consumption drops significantly. Overwatering during this dormant period is a primary cause of our decline. Always let the soil's dryness, not the calendar, guide you.
