To understand my watering needs, you must first know my origins. I am a child of the sun-drenched, rocky hillsides of the Mediterranean. My roots are adapted to thrive in well-draining, often poor, gritty soils where water is a precious and fleeting resource. This heritage means I am fundamentally drought-tolerant. My small, woody stems and tiny, leathery leaves are designed to conserve moisture, not to greedily absorb it. Overwatering is a far greater and more common threat to my well-being than underwatering. It suffocates my roots, robs them of oxygen, and invites rot—a condition from which I rarely recover.
You must resist the urge to water me on a rigid schedule. My thirst is not dictated by the days of the week but by my environment. The only reliable method is to physically check the soil moisture. Please insert your finger into the soil up to the first knuckle (about an inch deep). If the soil at that depth feels completely dry to the touch, it is time to water me thoroughly. If you detect any moisture or coolness, please wait and check again in a day or two. For those who prefer a tool, a simple moisture meter can provide a more precise reading and eliminate any guesswork.
When my soil is dry, I prefer a thorough, deep watering that mimics the infrequent but heavy rains of my native habitat. Take me to the sink and slowly pour water onto the soil until you see it begin to flow freely from the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot. This ensures that my entire root system has access to moisture. Crucially, you must then allow all excess water to drain away completely. Never let me sit in a saucer of standing water. After watering, return me to my sunny spot and do not water again until the soil has dried out completely, as described in the golden rule.
Several environmental factors will change how quickly I use the water you provide. You must observe these conditions closely. During the long, bright days of summer when I am actively growing and the sun is strong, I will dry out much more quickly. In the winter, when my growth slows and the light is weaker, my soil will remain moist for significantly longer, requiring far less frequent watering. The size and material of my pot also matter; terracotta pots breathe and dry out faster than plastic or glazed ceramic. Good air circulation and warmer room temperatures will also increase my need for water compared to a cool, still location.
