As a Ligularia, my most prominent feature is my large, dramatic foliage. These big, beautiful leaves are my pride and joy, but they come with a significant demand: a constant and substantial supply of water. My leaf surfaces have a high transpiration rate, meaning I lose moisture to the air around me very quickly, especially on warm or windy days. Unlike plants in the ground, my roots are confined to the limited space of a pot. I cannot send my roots deep into the earth in search of groundwater. I am entirely dependent on you, my caretaker, to bring the water to me. My primary request is consistent moisture; I am not a plant that enjoys cycles of drought and deluge.
The most reliable method to determine my watering needs is not by a fixed calendar schedule but by physically checking the moisture level of my soil. I would be most grateful if you would insert your finger about one to two inches into the potting mix. If the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, it is time to water me thoroughly. Do not wait until I am completely dry and my soil has pulled away from the edges of the pot. By that point, I am already severely stressed, and my leaves will have begun to wilt and droop pathetically. While I will often recover after a good drink, repeated stress weakens me and makes me susceptible to pests and diseases.
Several external factors will drastically alter how often I need water. You must observe these conditions closely. During the peak heat of summer, I will likely need watering every day, perhaps even twice a day if I am in a small pot and conditions are very hot and sunny. Conversely, in the cool, damp weather of spring or fall, I may only need water every few days. The size and material of my pot also matter. A small clay (terracotta) pot will dry out exponentially faster than a large plastic or glazed ceramic pot. Furthermore, my placement is key. While I adore bright, filtered light, if I am placed in full, blazing sun, I will lose water so rapidly that keeping me hydrated becomes a constant battle and will likely scorch my lovely leaves.
When it is time to water, please do so deeply and deliberately. A light sprinkling on the surface only encourages my roots to grow shallowly, making me even more vulnerable to drying out. Instead, water slowly at the base of my stems, avoiding wetting my foliage if possible (to prevent leaf spots), until you see water flowing freely from the drainage holes at the bottom of my pot. This ensures that the entire root ball has been evenly moistened. Empty the saucer underneath my pot after about thirty minutes. I enjoy moist "feet," but I absolutely despise sitting in stagnant water, which will quickly cause my roots to rot and decay.
