From our perspective, summer is our active growth and blooming season. The intense sunlight and longer days fuel our metabolic processes, requiring significantly more water to support vibrant bract color and new vine growth. Our roots are actively drawing moisture from the soil to transport nutrients and cool our systems through transpiration. You should water us deeply and thoroughly when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel completely dry to the touch. This typically translates to watering once or even twice a week, depending on your local climate, pot size, and whether we are planted in the ground or a container. The goal is to moisten the entire root ball until water runs freely from the drainage holes. Please avoid frequent, light sprinklings, as this encourages our roots to stay shallow and makes us more vulnerable to heat stress.
As the days shorten and temperatures drop, our physiological processes slow down considerably. We enter a period of semi-dormancy or significantly reduced growth. Our need for water plummets because there is less sunlight for photosynthesis, and we lose less moisture through our leaves. Overwatering during this period is extremely detrimental to our health. Cold, soggy soil creates an anaerobic environment that our roots cannot tolerate, leading to root rot, which is often fatal. You must allow the soil to dry out almost completely between waterings. For us in containers, this might mean watering only every three to four weeks, or even less. Check the soil moisture at a depth of a few inches; it should be dry for a significant period before you consider providing a modest drink.
Beyond the season, several factors directly influence our thirst. We are exceptionally well-drained soil is not just a preference; it is a necessity. Heavy, clay-rich, or water-retentive soils will suffocate our roots regardless of the season. For those of us in containers, ensure the pot has adequate drainage holes. The size of our container also matters; we in smaller pots dry out much faster than those in the ground or in large planters. Weather conditions like wind can also accelerate drying, while humidity can slow it down. Always prioritize checking the soil moisture over following a rigid calendar schedule. Your finger is the best tool to understand our true needs.
We communicate our discomfort. Underwatering is often signaled by our leaves becoming limp, wilting, or curling, and our vibrant bracts may drop prematurely. If you see this, a deep drink will usually help us recover quickly. The signs of overwatering, however, are more severe and often slower to appear. You may notice yellowing leaves that fall off, a general lack of vigor, and soft, blackening roots. This condition is far more dangerous and requires an immediate halt in watering and possibly repotting us into fresh, dry soil to prevent our demise. It is always safer to err on the side of underwatering than overwatering, especially during the winter months.
