Hello! From my roots to my petals, I need you to understand my fundamental relationship with water. I am a sun-worshipper, a drought-tolerant survivor by nature. My roots despise soggy, waterlogged soil; it suffocates them, leading to a nasty condition called root rot that can be fatal. My ideal is a deep, thorough drink that reaches my entire root system, followed by a period where the top few inches of my soil can dry out. This cycle encourages my roots to grow strong and deep in search of moisture, making me a sturdier, more resilient plant. Think of it as a "feast or famine" approach that mirrors my native South African habitat.
In the intense, dry heat of the Southwest, my thirst is significant but my fear of root rot remains. The powerful sun and low humidity cause moisture to evaporate from my soil very quickly. Here, you must water me more frequently, perhaps 2-3 times per week during the peak summer heat. The key is to always perform the finger test first. Push your finger into the soil up to the second knuckle. If it feels dry at that depth, it's time for a long, deep watering session early in the morning. This allows me to drink my fill before the scorching sun arrives and minimizes water loss to evaporation. A layer of mulch around my base is my best friend here, as it helps keep my roots cool and locks that precious moisture in.
Life in a humid climate is a different challenge. The air is heavy with moisture, and sudden summer thunderstorms are common. Here, you must be far more cautious. My soil will stay moist for much longer, and overwatering is your biggest—and my deadliest—mistake. You must rely almost exclusively on the finger test. I may only need a drink once a week, or even less if there has been significant rainfall. Water me only in the morning so that any accidental splashes on my leaves have time to dry under the sun, preventing fungal diseases that thrive in stagnant, humid conditions. Excellent drainage in my pot or bed is non-negotiable here.
My watering needs change dramatically with your seasons. In the vibrant, active growing season of spring and summer, I am putting all my energy into blooming for you. This is when I am thirstiest and will need consistent watering, likely once or twice a week, depending on heat and rainfall. However, as the days shorten and the air turns crisp in autumn, my growth slows. You must gradually reduce my water. By the time winter's chill arrives, if I am a perennial type surviving outdoors, I need very little water at all. Water me very sparingly only when the soil is completely dry to protect my roots from freezing in cold, wet soil. For annuals, my life cycle is complete.
