From our perspective, the most crucial rule is not about a fixed schedule but about the condition of our growing medium. We do not appreciate being watered on a specific day of the week, like every Monday. Our thirst is dictated by light, temperature, humidity, pot size, and the soil's composition. The only reliable way to know if we need water is for you to physically check us. Please insert your finger about an inch into the soil. If it feels dry to the touch, it is time for a drink. If it still feels moist or cool, please wait and check again in a day or two. This simple act of checking prevents our roots from sitting in constant moisture, which is our greatest threat.
We must emphasize the danger of too much water. Our fine, hair-like roots require oxygen as much as they require water. When you water us too frequently, the saturated soil pushes out all the air pockets. Our roots effectively drown, becoming unable to function. This leads to a condition called root rot, where the suffocated roots begin to decay, turning brown and mushy. Once this process starts, we can no longer absorb water or nutrients, no matter how wet the soil is. Our leaves will become soft, limp, and may droop over the side of the pot—a sign often mistaken for thirst but which is actually a symptom of drowning. This is why a strict schedule is harmful; it often leads to you watering us when we are still perfectly hydrated.
While overwatering is more immediately dangerous, allowing us to become completely parched is also stressful. If our soil becomes bone-dry for extended periods, our roots will desiccate and die. You will see our lower leaves wilt, become crispy, and potentially turn brown. Our overall growth will halt, and we will be unable to produce our beautiful flowers. The soil may even pull away from the edges of the pot. While we are somewhat tolerant of missing a single watering, chronic underwatering weakens us significantly, making us susceptible to pests and disease. A thorough watering will usually revive us if we are only slightly wilted, but repeated severe droughts cause long-term damage.
We have a strong preference for how you water us. Our leaves are covered in tiny hairs, and if water is poured from above and lands on our leaves or crown (the central growing point), it can cause unsightly spots, leaf rot, or even crown rot, which is often fatal. The safest and most effective method is bottom watering. Please place our pot in a saucer or bowl filled with about an inch of lukewarm water. Let us sit and absorb the moisture through the drainage holes in the bottom of the pot for approximately 30 minutes. After that time, discard any remaining water in the saucer. Never allow us to sit in standing water for more than an hour. This technique ensures the entire root ball is evenly moistened without wetting our sensitive foliage.
The type of water you use matters to us. We are sensitive to chemicals often found in tap water, such as chlorine and fluoride. These can cause leaf tip burn and marginal leaf yellowing. If possible, please use room-temperature rainwater, distilled water, or filtered water. Cold water shocks our root system, hindering nutrient uptake. Always ensure the water is at room temperature before offering it to us. This small consideration makes a significant difference in our overall health and vitality, helping us to maintain lush green leaves and support continuous blooming.
