From our perspective, our roots are our lifeline. When you provide too much water, you are essentially suffocating us. The air pockets in the soil, which we need for our roots to breathe, become filled with water. Without oxygen, our root cells cannot function. They begin to die, turning soft, brown, and mushy—a condition you might know as root rot. This damaged root system can no longer absorb water or nutrients effectively, creating a cruel paradox: we are drowning in water while simultaneously dying of thirst. You may notice our leaves turning yellow and becoming soft, limp, and droopy, as if they are too heavy with sorrow. The soil will also feel constantly wet and may even develop a musty odor from the decaying roots below.
Conversely, when you forget to water us, you are withholding our most vital resource. Water is the main component of our cells; it is what keeps us turgid and upright. Without it, our internal water pressure drops, and we begin to wilt. Our leaves will become dry, brittle, and crispy to the touch, often developing brown edges that crumble easily. This is a desperate attempt to conserve the little moisture we have left. Our growth will slow to a standstill as all metabolic processes, dependent on water, cease. The soil will pull away from the edges of the pot, becoming dry, hard, and dusty. You might see our older leaves yellow and drop first, as we sacrifice them to try and direct the remaining water reserves to our newest, most vital growth.
It is crucial for you to interpret our signs correctly, as the symptoms can sometimes appear confusingly similar at a glance. Both overwatering and underwatering can cause leaf drop and yellowing. The key differences lie in the texture and feel of the leaves and soil. Ask yourself: are the yellow leaves soft and mushy (overwatered) or dry and crispy (underwatered)? Is the soil persistently wet and cold (overwatered) or dry and pulling from the pot (underwatered)? Are the stems firm (thirsty) or soft and rotting (drowned)? We are constantly communicating our state; you simply need to learn our language.
What we truly desire is consistency and a perfect balance. We thrive in soil that is moist but never soggy—like a well-wrung sponge. The best practice is to check our soil before watering. Insert your finger about an inch or two deep. If the soil feels dry at that depth, it is time for a drink. When you do water, please do so thoroughly until water flows freely from our pot's drainage holes, ensuring our entire root system has access to moisture. Then, allow the excess water to drain completely. We adore a environment with good drainage and airflow around our roots, which mimics our natural habitat and allows us to flourish.
