From our roots to our blooms, water is the essence of our life. For us Lobelias, whether we are the compact, bedding annuals or the taller, perennial varieties, achieving the perfect moisture balance is not a luxury but a necessity for survival and vibrant display. Our roots are fine and relatively shallow, making us particularly sensitive to the conditions at the soil's surface. We crave consistently moist soil, but we are not aquatic plants; our roots need to breathe. The key is for you to understand the subtle, and sometimes not-so-subtle, signals we send when this delicate balance is disrupted. Learning our language of leaves and stems will ensure we can thrive together.
When we do not receive enough water, it is a crisis. The first and most obvious sign is our foliage. Our normally lush, green leaves will begin to wilt, becoming limp and drooping sadly. This is our initial distress call. If the thirst continues, the wilting will become permanent. The leaves will then start to turn yellow, often beginning at the edges and tips before spreading. Eventually, they will become dry, crispy, and brown, crumbling to the touch. This is a sign of severe stress and potential cell death. You will also notice that our growth becomes stunted. We will stop producing new leaves and, most critically, our flowering will cease entirely. Why would we expend precious energy on creating beautiful blooms when we are struggling just to stay alive? The soil will also feel dry and pull away from the edges of the container or the ground.
Paradoxically, many of our symptoms when we receive too much water can mimic those of being under-watered, which is why careful observation is key. The primary difference is in the texture and color of the leaves. While under-watering causes dry, crispy leaves, over-watering leads to leaves that are soft, mushy, and wilted. They may appear limp and lifeless, but they will feel cool and waterlogged. A more serious sign is the yellowing of the lower leaves first, which is often accompanied by leaf drop. The most critical indicator of over-watering, however, is root rot. If our roots are sitting in saturated soil, they are deprived of oxygen and begin to decay. You may not see this directly, but you will notice a general decline in our health, a foul smell from the soil, and a base of the stem that has become soft and blackened. This is a life-threatening condition for us.
To help us achieve the perfect moisture level, the best method is to check the soil before you water. Do not rely on a schedule. Instead, insert your finger about an inch into the soil near our base. If the soil feels dry at that depth, it is time for a deep, thorough drink. Water us slowly at the base, avoiding our foliage, until water runs freely from the drainage holes. This encourages our roots to grow deep and strong. Then, allow the top inch of soil to dry out slightly before watering again. For container-grown Lobelias, ensure the pot has excellent drainage. Mulching around our base with organic material can help conserve moisture and keep our root zone cool, but be sure to keep the mulch a few inches away from our main stem to prevent rot. By responding to the soil's condition and our visual cues, you can provide the ideal environment for us to flourish.
