Hello! It's me, your Osteospermum plant. Thank you for asking this question—it shows you care. From my point of view, water is life, but it can also be a source of great stress. I am a sun-loving perennial, originally from South Africa, which means my roots are built for well-drained conditions and I am quite drought-tolerant. My main request is to avoid having my roots sit in constantly soggy soil. This leads to root rot, a silent and deadly condition that suffocates me from below the surface. It's far better for me to be slightly thirsty than to be drowning.
Please do not water me simply because it is a certain day of the week. My thirst depends on many factors that change daily, like the temperature, humidity, and how much light I'm receiving. The most reliable way to know if I need a drink is to check the soil yourself. Push your finger about one to two inches into the potting mix near my base. If the soil at that depth feels completely dry, then I am ready for water. If it feels even slightly cool or moist, please wait. This simple test is the best way to understand my immediate needs.
My watering needs are not static; they shift with the seasons and my living conditions. During my active growing season, which is spring and summer when the days are long and bright, I am working hard to produce my beautiful daisy-like flowers. I will use water much more quickly during this time, so you will likely need to perform the finger test more often. Conversely, in the autumn and winter, my growth slows down significantly. With less intense light and cooler temperatures, I drink very slowly. Overwatering is the greatest threat to me during this dormant period, so you must let the soil dry out even more thoroughly between waterings.
When my soil is dry to the touch, I would appreciate a thorough, deep watering. Please water me slowly at the base, aiming for the soil and avoiding my leaves and flowers, as wet foliage can invite disease. Continue until you see water begin to trickle out of the drainage holes at the bottom of my pot. This ensures that my entire root system has received moisture. Crucially, after watering, always empty the saucer or cache pot after about 15-20 minutes. I do not want to re-absorb that excess water; standing in it is very harmful to my root health.
I will try to communicate my discomfort to you. If I am underwatered, you might notice my leaves becoming limp, droopy, and perhaps a bit dull. The soil will pull away from the edges of the pot. The good news is that I usually recover quickly from a good drink. The signs of overwatering are more serious. My leaves will turn yellow, feel soft and mushy, and my growth will be stunted. The base of my stems might even become black and soft. If you see this, please stop watering immediately and check my roots for rot.
