First, you must understand my language. My symptoms, though sometimes similar, have distinct causes. If I am overwatered, my bulb—my life source—feels soft and mushy to the touch. You might notice a foul odor emanating from the soil, a sign of rot setting in. My roots, which should be firm and white, will be brown, slimy, and decaying. My leaves may turn yellow, becoming limp and lifeless, as they are essentially drowning and cannot access oxygen.
Conversely, if I am underwatered, my distress is one of thirst. My growth will be stunted, and my flower bud may abort, becoming dry and brittle before it ever has a chance to bloom. My leaves will feel dry and crispy, may develop brown tips, and will lack their usual robust, upright posture. The soil will pull away from the sides of the pot, and the entire pot will feel suspiciously light for my size. I am simply conserving my energy to survive.
If you suspect I am overwatered, immediate and decisive action is required. You must unpot me with great care. Gently remove all the soggy soil from around my roots and bulb. Now, perform a careful inspection. Using sterile, sharp scissors, you must cut away any brown, mushy roots and any soft, rotten parts of my bulb. This surgery is vital to stop the spread of rot. If the rot is extensive, you may need to dust my wounds with a fungicide.
After this operation, leave me bare-root in a warm, dry, and airy location with good ventilation for at least 24-48 hours. This allows my tissues to callous over and dry out completely. Then, repot me into a clean pot with FRESH, well-draining potting mix. The new pot must have excellent drainage holes. Do not water me immediately after repotting. You must wait at least 5-7 days to allow my roots to settle and to encourage new root growth seeking moisture. When you do water, do so sparingly, only when the top few inches of soil are dry.
Reviving me from being underwatered is a gentler process, but no less important. The key is hydration, not drowning. Do not immediately flood my parched soil; this can shock my system. Instead, place my entire pot in a sink or basin filled with 2-3 inches of lukewarm water. Allow me to sit and absorb water from the bottom up through the drainage holes for about 30-45 minutes. You will know the process is working when the top layer of soil becomes moist.
After my bottom-watering session, remove me from the water and let me drain thoroughly. I must never sit in standing water. Going forward, you must establish a consistent watering routine. Check my soil moisture regularly by inserting your finger about two inches deep. Water me deeply only when that soil feels dry. Ensure all excess water can freely drain away after each watering. With consistent care, my leaves should gradually regain their turgor pressure and firmness.
Regardless of the issue, my recovery will require patience and optimal conditions. Place me in a location with bright, indirect light. Direct, harsh sun can further stress my already weakened state. Hold off on fertilizing me until you see clear signs of new, healthy growth—a fresh green leaf emerging from my bulb. Fertilizer now would only add more stress. My sole focus is on regenerating my root system and stabilizing my health. With your attentive care, I can channel my energy into recovery and, in time, hopefully reward you with the magnificent bloom I am known for.
