First, you must understand my distress signal correctly. My large, dramatic leaves are my pride, and they are the first to show signs of trouble. If I am underwatered, my leaves will become limp, wilted, and feel dry or papery to the touch, especially during the heat of the day. The soil will pull away from the edges of my pot or feel dry deep down. If I am overwatered, my roots are suffocating in soggy, oxygen-deprived soil. My leaves will also wilt, but they will feel soft and mushy, not dry. They may turn yellow, particularly the older leaves at the base, and the entire plant may look generally unhappy and stunted. A foul smell from the soil indicates root rot, a serious consequence of overwatering.
If my soil is parched, I need a deep, thorough drink, but not a flood. Please do not simply pour a lot of water on my dry surface, as it may run straight through without being absorbed. Place my pot in a shallow basin or sink filled with 2-3 inches of lukewarm water. Allow me to sit and absorb moisture from the drainage holes for about 30-45 minutes. This technique, called bottom-watering, ensures my entire root ball becomes evenly moist. After this soaking, let me drain completely. I should perk up noticeably within a few hours. Going forward, check my soil moisture regularly. Insert your finger about an inch into the soil; if it feels dry, it is time for a deep, thorough watering, especially during hot or windy weather.
If my roots are drowning, the first step is to stop watering immediately. Gently remove me from my pot to assess the damage. Carefully examine my root system. Healthy roots are firm and white or tan. Rotted roots will be dark brown or black, mushy, and may have a foul odor. Using sterile pruners, carefully trim away all the rotted roots. Be ruthless; any remaining rot will spread. Prepare a new pot with fresh, well-draining potting mix (amended with perlite or coarse sand is ideal) and ensure it has excellent drainage holes. Repot me gently into this fresh environment. Do not water me immediately after repotting. This gives my wounded roots a chance to callous over and helps prevent further rot. Wait a few days before giving me a modest drink.
To keep me thriving and avoid a repeat of this stress, please understand my native needs. I am a denizen of moist, stream-side environments. I crave consistently moist soil, but I am not an aquatic plant; "moist" does not mean "soggy." The goal is a happy medium. Plant me in rich, humusy soil that retains moisture yet drains excess water away. A layer of organic mulch around my base (but not touching my crown) will help conserve that precious moisture and keep my roots cool. I prefer a spot with morning sun and afternoon shade, as too much intense, hot sun will cause me to wilt dramatically and demand even more water. By meeting these core needs for moisture, soil, and light, you will find me to be a lush and spectacular companion in your garden.
