To understand our watering needs, you must first understand what we are. Despite our common name, we are not true cacti from arid deserts. We are epiphytes, native to the tropical rainforests of Brazil, where we grow in the shady, humid canopy of trees, nestled in pockets of organic debris. Our flat, segmented leaves are actually modified stems designed to store water, but we lack the extensive, deep reservoir systems of our desert cousins. This means we appreciate moisture but are highly susceptible to sitting in waterlogged conditions, which will cause our roots to rot and our segments to become soft and mushy.
Our watering needs are not constant throughout the year; they change dramatically with our growth and dormancy cycles. Paying attention to these cycles is the key to our health. From spring through summer, we are in our active growth phase. During this time, we are producing new segments and, with the right light conditions, preparing for our future bloom. This is when our thirst is greatest, and we will need more frequent watering. However, the mantra "more frequent" does not mean "constant." You must always check our soil first.
The most reliable method to determine if we need water is to physically check the growing medium. Do not water us on a rigid schedule! Instead, insert your finger about an inch into the soil. If it feels dry to the touch, then it is time for a thorough drink. If it still feels cool or moist, please wait and check again in a few days. Alternatively, you can lift our pot; if it feels surprisingly light for its size, the water reserves within the soil are likely depleted. We prefer a cycle of deep watering followed by a period of drought, which mimics the natural showers and dry spells of our habitat.
As the days shorten in the fall, we enter a critical period to set flower buds. To encourage this magnificent display, you must reduce watering around October. Let the top few inches of our soil dry out more thoroughly between waterings, providing just enough to prevent our segments from shriveling. This slight stress, combined with longer nights, signals to us that it is time to bloom. During the winter, after our flowers have faded, we enter a brief rest period. Our growth slows, and our water requirements are at their lowest. Water us sparingly during this time, just enough to prevent desiccation. When spring arrives and new growth appears, you can gradually resume a more regular watering routine.
We communicate our state of hydration quite clearly if you know how to read us. Under-watering will cause our segments to look wrinkled, shrunken, and feel limp. They may take on a reddish tint. This is a sign of drought stress. Conversely, over-watering is far more dangerous and often fatal. Its signs include segments that are mushy, blackened, or falling off en masse. A persistently wet, soggy soil base is a sure sign of trouble. When in doubt, it is always safer to err on the side of under-watering, as we can recover from dryness much more easily than from root rot.
