From my perspective, your question has no single, simple answer. My water needs are not set by a calendar but by my living conditions. The intensity and duration of light I receive is the primary driver of my thirst. During the long, bright days of spring and summer, I am actively photosynthesizing and growing, which requires significantly more water. In the dim, short days of winter, I am largely dormant, and my water consumption drops dramatically. Furthermore, the temperature and humidity of the room play a crucial role. A warm, dry room will cause the moisture in my soil to evaporate much faster than a cool, humid one. You must observe these conditions to understand my needs.
The most reliable way to communicate with me about water is through touch. Please do not rely on a superficial glance. Insert your finger into my soil, down to about the second knuckle (approximately 2 inches). If the soil at that depth feels even slightly moist or cool to the touch, I am perfectly content, and you should wait. I need a drink only when that soil feels completely dry. This is the universal signal from my roots. We are susceptible to root rot, a deadly condition caused by constantly wet, soggy soil that suffocates us. It is always safer for me to be slightly too dry than constantly too wet.
My watering schedule will naturally ebb and flow with the seasons, and you must adjust your care accordingly. In my growing season (spring and summer), I will likely need water every 1-2 weeks, depending on the factors mentioned above. This is when I am putting energy into new, magnificent leaves and may even dream of a flower. As the light fades in autumn and winter, my growth slows to a near halt. During this dormancy, my water requirements may drop to once every 3-4 weeks, or even longer. Overwatering during this period is the most common mistake and causes my leaves to turn yellow and limp—a sign of distress from my roots.
When it is time to water, please do so thoroughly and thoughtfully. Use tepid water, as cold water can shock my sensitive root system. Pour water slowly and evenly over the top of my soil until you see it begin to trickle freely from the drainage holes at the bottom of my pot. This ensures that my entire root ball has received moisture. It is absolutely critical that I live in a pot with these drainage holes. Any excess water must be allowed to escape. Do not let me sit in a saucer of standing water; empty it after 15 minutes. This complete drink, followed by a period of drought, mimics the natural cycles I am adapted to.
