You ask for a schedule, but I must be honest: I do not thrive on a rigid calendar. My water needs are a direct conversation with my environment. The frequency with which I need a drink depends heavily on the season, the light I receive, the temperature of my home, and the humidity in the air. A "one-size-fits-all" watering rule, like "once a week," can be detrimental. It is far better for you to learn to read my signals and check my soil's condition.
The most reliable method to know if I am thirsty is to feel my soil. Please insert your finger about two inches deep into the potting mix. If the soil at that depth feels completely dry, it is time to water me thoroughly. If you feel any moisture or coolness, please wait and check again in a few days. I store water in my thick, rubbery leaves and stems, making me quite drought-tolerant. I would always prefer to be slightly too dry than constantly too wet.
My growth cycle is intrinsically linked to the length of the day and the sun's intensity across the US. During the spring and summer, when the sun is strong and I am in my active growing season, I will use water much more quickly. You may find that my soil dries out faster, potentially requiring water every 1-2 weeks. Conversely, in the fall and winter, my growth slows dramatically or stops. With less light and cooler temperatures, the soil will stay moist for much longer. During this dormant period, I may only need water every 3-4 weeks, or even less.
My pot is my entire world, and its characteristics matter greatly. A plant like me living in a terracotta pot will dry out faster than one in a plastic or glazed ceramic pot, as terracotta is porous and allows moisture to evaporate through its walls. The size of the pot also matters; a large pot holds more wet soil, which takes longer to dry out. Furthermore, my placement in your home is crucial. If I am sitting in a bright, south-facing window, I will thirst more quickly than a sibling placed in a cooler, north-facing room. Homes with forced-air heating in winter can be very dry, which might slightly increase my need for water.
When it is finally time to water, please do so properly. Take me to a sink and slowly pour room-temperature water over my soil until you see it begin to flow freely from the drainage holes at the bottom of my pot. This ensures that my entire root system has received moisture. It is critical that I am never left sitting in a saucer of water, as this will lead to root rot, which is often fatal for me. After watering, allow all excess water to drain away completely before returning me to my decorative pot or saucer.
