From my perspective as a Lobelia plant, my relationship with water is a delicate one. I am not a succulent that thrives on neglect, nor am I a water lily that desires constant saturation. My roots are fine and relatively shallow, and I originate from environments with reliably moist, well-draining soil. Therefore, my primary request is for consistent moisture. This does not mean I wish to sit in a puddle; that would suffocate my roots and lead to a fatal case of root rot. Instead, I crave soil that feels like a well-wrung-out sponge – damp to the touch but not dripping wet. Allowing my soil to dry out completely is equally stressful. My leaves will quickly wilt, turn brown, and my delicate flowers will drop in protest. Consistency is the key to keeping me lush and floriferous.
You cannot simply mark a specific day of the week on your calendar to water me. My thirst is influenced by several dynamic factors that you must observe. First is light exposure. If I am positioned in a bright, sunny south-facing window, I will photosynthesize more rapidly, drawing water from my soil much faster than if I were in a shadier spot. Second is temperature and humidity. During the warmer months or if I am near a heat vent, I will need water more often. Conversely, in a cool, humid room, my soil will retain moisture longer. Third is my stage of growth and pot size. When I am actively blooming, I am working hard and require more resources. A small pot dries out infinitely faster than a large one, as there is less soil volume to hold moisture.
The most reliable way to determine if I need water is to physically check the soil around my roots. Please do not just glance at the surface, as it can look dry while moisture remains below. I encourage you to use the finger test. Insert your finger about one inch into the soil. What does it feel like? If the soil at that depth feels dry, then it is the perfect time for a thorough watering. If it feels even slightly cool or moist, please wait. Another excellent tool is a wooden chopstick or skewer. Push it into the soil, leave it for a minute, and then pull it out. If it comes out clean and dry, I am thirsty. If it has soil sticking to it or appears damp, I still have enough water.
When it is time to water, please do so properly. A light sprinkling on the surface only encourages my roots to grow shallowly, making me more vulnerable to drying out. Instead, I benefit greatly from thorough, deep watering. Apply water slowly and evenly to the soil surface until you see it begin to trickle out of the drainage holes at the bottom of my pot. This ensures that my entire root system has access to moisture. It is absolutely critical that my pot has these drainage holes. After watering, allow all the excess water to drain away completely. Never let me sit in a saucer full of water, as this creates the waterlogged conditions that my roots fear most.
My needs change with the seasons, and your care should reflect this. During the spring and summer, when light levels are high and I am in my prime growing and flowering season, I will likely need watering every few days, depending on the conditions mentioned above. However, in the autumn and winter, my growth slows down significantly. With lower light levels and cooler temperatures, my water consumption drops. You may find that I only need water once a week or even less frequently. During this dormant period, it is especially important to rely on the finger test rather than a calendar, as overwatering in winter is a common mistake that can be fatal for me.
