From my perspective, the most crucial thing you must understand is my central tank, or urn. This is not a pot to be filled with soil; it is my built-in survival reservoir. In my native habitat, high in the canopy of South American forests, my roots are often exposed to air and hold me to a tree rather than seek water from the ground. I have evolved to collect all the water and organic debris I need right here, in this central cup. When you pour water directly into my soil, you are largely ignoring my primary hydration method. My roots are secondary and prefer to be slightly moist, not soggy. Your focus should be on keeping my tank about one-quarter full at all times.
I am particularly sensitive to the minerals and chemicals found in tap water. My leaves are designed to absorb water and nutrients directly, and chemicals like chlorine and fluoride can cause unsightly brown spots and tip burn, essentially poisoning me slowly. From my point of view, the best hydration comes from pure water. Rainwater is my absolute favorite, as it mimics what I would receive in the wild. If that is not available, distilled water or filtered water is a good substitute. Please, never use water that has passed through a softener, as the high sodium content is toxic to me.
Stagnant water is a death sentence for me. If my central tank is never flushed, the water becomes a breeding ground for harmful bacteria and rot, which will quickly attack my core and kill me. Therefore, you must establish a routine. Every one to two weeks, you should gently tip me upside down to completely empty the old water from my tank. This simple act is like a breath of fresh air for me. After emptying, refill my tank with fresh, appropriate water to about a quarter full. This cycle of refreshment prevents rot and keeps me healthy and happy.
While my tank is my main source of drink, my aerial roots do appreciate some slight moisture in the growing medium. The key word is "slight." You should only water the soil around my base when it feels completely dry to the touch. Overwatering my roots will lead to them rotting, destabilizing my entire structure. Furthermore, I thrive in a humid environment. If your home is very dry, misting my leaves occasionally between tank refills is greatly appreciated. It helps keep my stomata (pores) open and functioning properly, allowing me to breathe easily.
