From our perspective, the conversation about water begins not with your watering can, but deep within the soil, at the very tips of our roots. We are dynamic beings; our need for water fluctuates with the sun's intensity, the season's rhythm, and the very air's humidity. The goal is not a rigid schedule, but a consistent state of moist, well-drained soil. Think of it as a perfectly wrung-out sponge – holding ample moisture but not dripping. Soggy, waterlogged soil is a death sentence for our roots, suffocating us and inviting rot. Conversely, bone-dry soil causes our delicate root hairs to desiccate and die, severing our lifeline.
Our thirst is a direct reflection of the sun's energy. In the vibrant, active growing season of spring and summer, we are working tirelessly. We are channeling immense energy into producing our magnificent, otherworldly blooms and lush foliage. This requires a great deal of water. During this time, a deep, thorough watering that reaches our entire root system is what we crave. However, as the days shorten and the light softens in autumn, our growth slows. We begin our retreat into dormancy. Your watering should gradually taper off, allowing the top few inches of soil to dry out more significantly between drinks. In winter, we are merely resting; overwatering now is the most common and dangerous mistake.
We are constantly communicating our state of hydration. You must learn to listen with your eyes and hands. Do not rely on the calendar. Before you water, push your finger into the soil near our base. If the top 1-2 inches feel dry, it is time for a drink. If it still feels cool and moist, wait. Observe our leaves. If we are wilting slightly on a hot afternoon, we may just be conserving energy. But if we are still wilted in the cooler morning, we are desperately parched. Conversely, if our leaves begin to yellow and feel soft, or if our new growth turns black, you are loving us to death with too much water. These are our cries for help.
The manner of watering is as important as the frequency. A sudden deluge from above that wets our foliage and only the surface of the soil is of little use. It encourages mildew on our leaves and teaches our roots to grow shallow, making us more vulnerable to drought. We prefer a gentle, deep, and targeted approach. Apply water slowly at the base of our stem, allowing it to percolate down and saturate the entire root zone. This encourages us to grow a deep, strong, and resilient root system. Always ensure the excess water can drain freely away from our pot or planting site. We cherish a drink, but we never want to have wet feet for long.
