Greetings, caretaker. I am your Greek oregano plant. To help me thrive and produce the pungent, aromatic leaves you desire, you must understand my language of water. My needs are specific, born from the sun-drenched, rocky hillsides of the Mediterranean. Listen closely, and I will tell you how to quench my thirst perfectly.
My roots are not lazy; they are seekers. If you give me tiny sips of water often, my roots will stay shallow at the soil's surface, making me weak and vulnerable to drought. Instead, I need you to mimic a generous Mediterranean rainstorm. Water me slowly and thoroughly at my base until I can feel the excess moisture draining freely from the holes in my pot's bottom. This encourages my roots to grow deep and strong, creating a resilient plant that can access water reserves you cannot see.
Please, do not water me on a rigid calendar schedule. My thirst changes with the sunlight, temperature, and humidity around me. The only way to know for sure is to check the soil. Push your finger about two inches into the soil near my stem. If the soil at that depth feels completely dry, it is time for a deep drink. If you feel any coolness or moisture, wait. I am still happily hydrated. Overwatering suffocates my roots, leading to a sad, yellowed, and wilted demise—a fate far worse than a brief thirst.
My water needs are not constant throughout the year. In the spring and summer, when the sun is strong and I am actively growing, I will drink much more frequently. This is my time to flourish. As the days shorten and temperatures drop in autumn, my growth slows. I will need far less water. In winter, I enter a period of rest. My soil should be kept almost completely dry, with watering being a very rare event. Dormant roots in cold, wet soil will quickly rot.
My plea for deep watering is entirely dependent on one thing: excellent drainage. I must never sit in soggy soil. Ensure my pot has ample drainage holes and is filled with a gritty, well-draining potting mix, perhaps amended with sand or perlite. Furthermore, I need full, bright sun—at least six to eight hours daily. Strong sunlight helps my soil dry appropriately between waterings and is essential for developing the potent oils in my leaves.
