From my perspective as a mint plant, water is the essence of my existence. It is the medium through which I transport essential nutrients from my roots to my leaves, and it is what keeps my cells turgid—firm and upright. When I wilt, it is a clear, visible distress signal that this vital system is out of balance. The crucial issue for you to diagnose is whether I am drowning in excess or parched from a lack. My leaves may look similarly sad in both cases, but the cause and the feel of my soil tell the true story.
When you give me too much water, you are essentially suffocating me. My roots need oxygen from the air spaces in the soil to respire and function. Constant saturation fills these pores with water, creating an anaerobic environment. My roots begin to rot, turning brown, black, and mushy. Once this root system is compromised, it can no longer absorb water, no matter how much is in the pot. This creates a paradox: I am surrounded by water, but my stems and leaves are dying of thirst because my damaged roots cannot transport it. The wilting from overwatering is often accompanied by yellowing lower leaves and soil that persistently feels cold, soggy, and heavy long after watering.
In contrast, wilting from underwatering is a much simpler, though no less serious, predicament. I simply do not have enough water in my system to maintain cell turgor pressure. My leaves and stems become limp and droopy because my cells are deflated. You will notice that my soil will feel dry and crumbly to the touch, often pulling away from the edges of the pot. My leaves might become dry, crispy, and brown at the tips and edges, starting with the oldest leaves. This type of wilting is my most direct cry for help, a non-verbal plea for a drink to rehydrate my tissues and return me to my perky state.
To understand my needs, you must look beyond my wilting leaves. First, touch my soil. Is it wet and clumpy or dry and dusty? Next, consider the weight of my pot; a waterlogged pot is surprisingly heavy, while a dry one is very light. Look at my leaves more closely: are they yellowing and dropping (often overwatering) or are they crispy and brown (often underwatering)? Finally, think about your recent care routine. Have you been watering on a strict schedule regardless of my needs, or have you forgotten about me for a while? I prefer a cycle of thorough watering when my top inch of soil is dry, followed by a period where I can access oxygen before my next drink.
