To understand my watering needs, you must first understand where I come from. I am a child of the sun-drenched, rocky hillsides of the Mediterranean. My native soil is gritty, lean, and exceptionally well-draining. My leaves are covered in tiny, soft hairs—a natural adaptation to conserve precious moisture and protect me from intense sunlight. This means I am fundamentally built for drought, not deluge. My roots are designed to seek out water efficiently but are highly susceptible to rotting if left sitting in consistently wet, heavy soil. Overwatering is the single greatest threat to my health indoors.
You should not water me on a fixed schedule, like every Tuesday. My thirst depends on variables like pot size, sunlight exposure, room temperature, and humidity. The only reliable method is to physically check my soil's moisture level. Please insert your finger into the soil, going down about 2 to 3 inches. If the soil at that depth feels completely dry to the touch, it is time to water me thoroughly. If you feel any coolness or moisture, please wait and check again in a few days. You can also use a wooden chopstick or a moisture meter for a more precise reading.
When my soil is dry, I need a deep, thorough drink. Water me slowly and evenly at the base of my stems, avoiding my leaves to prevent potential mildew. Continue watering until you see a significant amount of excess water flow freely out of the drainage holes at the bottom of my pot. This ensures the entire root ball has been hydrated. The most critical step follows immediately: you must let all of this excess water drain away completely. Never, ever let me sit in a saucer full of water. After an hour, empty the saucer to guarantee my roots are not submerged.
My growth cycle directly dictates how much water I require. During the spring and summer, I am in my active growth phase, fueled by longer and brighter days. I will use water more quickly during this time, so you may need to check my soil every 7-10 days, depending on conditions. In the fall and winter, I enter a period of dormancy. My growth slows dramatically, and my water requirements plummet. The soil will take much longer to dry out. During this season, you might only need to water me every 3-4 weeks, or even less. Always rely on the finger test rather than the time of year.
I will show you clear signals if my water balance is off. If I am underwatered and too dry, my leaves will become dry, brittle, and may begin to curl or turn brown at the edges before dropping. I will look wilted and sad. If I am overwatered, the symptoms are more dangerous. My leaves will become soft, limp, and yellow, often starting with the lower leaves. The stems may feel mushy, and the soil may have a musty odor—a sure sign of root rot. It is far easier to recover from being too dry than from being too wet.
