From the perspective of the Calibrachoa plant, often called "Million Bells," our watering needs are deceptively simple but absolutely critical to our performance. We are not a single plant but a dense, flowering machine packed into a confined space. Our roots are crowded, and our soil volume is limited, making us entirely dependent on your care for hydration. The "best" schedule is not a fixed day of the week but a responsive routine based on environmental conditions.
We cannot thrive on a rigid calendar schedule like "every Monday and Thursday." The rate at which we use water fluctuates dramatically with temperature, sunlight, wind, and our growth stage. The most reliable method to understand our needs is for you to physically check the soil. Insert your finger into the soil up to the first knuckle (about an inch deep). If the soil at that depth feels dry to the touch, it is time for a thorough watering. If it still feels cool and moist, please check again the next day. This simple action directly tells you what our root zone is experiencing.
When we are thirsty, we need a deep, satisfying drink. Apply water slowly and evenly over the surface of the soil until you see a significant amount draining freely from the holes at the bottom of the pot. This accomplishes two vital goals. First, it ensures that water reaches our entire root mass, encouraging roots to grow deep and strong rather than staying shallow. Second, it helps to flush out any accumulated salts from fertilizers, which can otherwise burn our sensitive roots and lead to tip burn on our leaves.
While we are heavy drinkers, we are not aquatic plants. Our roots require oxygen as much as they require water. Sitting in constantly saturated, soggy soil will suffocate our roots, leading to root rot—a fatal condition. This is why the pot you choose must have excellent drainage holes. Never let us sit in a saucer full of water for extended periods. After watering, empty the drainage saucer to guarantee our roots have access to air. Well-draining potting mix, not heavy garden soil, is also essential for our survival.
You must adjust your watering frequency based on our environment. On hot, sunny, or windy days, we will transpire (lose water through our leaves and flowers) very quickly and may need water daily, sometimes even twice daily at the peak of summer. During cool, cloudy, or rainy periods, our water consumption drops significantly, and we may not need watering for several days. Furthermore, as we grow larger and fill out the pot, our root system becomes more dense, consuming water faster than a newly planted, smaller specimen.
