To understand my watering needs, you must first understand my roots. I am a plant that craves a perfect balance. My roots are sensitive; they despise being constantly soggy, as this suffocates them and invites rot, which can be fatal. However, I also wilt and suffer if my soil becomes bone dry for too long. The goal is to provide me with consistently moist, but never waterlogged, soil. Think of it as a well-wrung sponge. The soil should feel damp to the touch about an inch or two below the surface, but you should not be able to squeeze water from it. The type of soil I am planted in is crucial. A well-draining potting mix, often amended with perlite or coarse sand, is essential for my survival, both indoors and out, as it allows excess water to flow away from my delicate root system.
When I live indoors with you, my environment is more stable, but it also means I rely entirely on you for hydration. A rigid schedule, like "every Saturday," is not ideal for me. My thirst varies based on factors like the season, room temperature, and light levels. Instead, you should check my soil regularly. The best method is the "finger test." Insert your finger about two inches into my soil. If it feels dry at that depth, it is time for a deep, thorough watering. When you water, do so slowly and evenly at the base of my plant, avoiding my crown and leaves, as wet foliage can lead to fungal diseases. Water until you see it begin to drain out of the bottom of the pot. Always empty the saucer underneath after a few minutes to ensure I am not sitting in a puddle. During the active growing season (spring and summer), I may need this deep watering every 3 to 5 days. In the winter, when my growth slows and light levels are lower, I will drink much less, perhaps only needing water every 7 to 10 days.
Life outdoors is more dynamic for me. My watering needs are influenced by rainfall, temperature, wind, and sun exposure. While the same "moist but not soggy" rule applies, you must be more attentive to the weather. During hot, dry, and windy spells, I will lose moisture quickly and may need watering every 2 to 3 days. In cooler, cloudy, or rainy periods, I might not need any supplemental water from you for a week or more. The best time to water me outdoors is in the early morning. This allows my leaves to dry quickly in the sun, reducing the risk of mildew and other diseases, and ensures the water penetrates deeply into the soil before the heat of the day causes evaporation. A layer of organic mulch around my base (but not touching my crown) is incredibly helpful. It acts like a blanket, conserving soil moisture, keeping my roots cooler, and reducing how often you need to water.
I will communicate my distress through my leaves and flowers, so please learn to read my signals. If I am suffering from overwatering, my lower leaves will often turn yellow and feel soft and mushy. The soil will have a persistently wet smell, and my crown might start to rot. My overall appearance will be wilted, despite the wet soil. Conversely, if I am desperately thirsty from underwatering, my leaves and flower stems will become limp, wilted, and may feel dry or crispy to the touch. The soil will pull away from the edges of the pot or feel hard and cracked in the garden. A thirsty Gerbera daisy will often droop dramatically, but unlike an overwatered one, I will typically perk up within hours of a good drink. If I don't, it may be a sign of root damage from being too dry for too long.
