From my perspective as an oleander, summer is my time to shine. The long, sun-drenched days are a signal for me to enter a period of vigorous growth and, most importantly, spectacular flowering. This immense effort requires a significant amount of water. My roots are constantly drawing moisture from the soil to transport nutrients to my leaves and to support the development of my large, colorful flower clusters. The intense summer heat also means I lose a great deal of water through my leaves via transpiration, much like you humans perspire. Therefore, consistent and deep watering is not just beneficial for me; it is essential for my survival and display. I crave a thorough soaking that reaches my deep roots, encouraging them to grow downward, which makes me more resilient. Waiting until the top inch or two of soil feels dry is a good rule of thumb for my caretaker. In the peak of summer, this might mean a deep watering several times a week.
While I am thirsty, my relationship with water in summer is delicate. The combination of intense heat and incorrect watering can cause me significant stress. If I am given only frequent, light sprinklings, my roots will stay near the surface where the soil dries out quickly and gets very hot. This shallow root system makes me vulnerable to drought and heat stress. Conversely, if my soil does not drain well and I am left sitting in waterlogged soil, my roots cannot breathe. They will begin to rot, a condition that is often fatal. This is why well-draining soil is so crucial for me. The goal is to keep my soil consistently moist but never soggy, like a well-wrung-out sponge.
As the days shorten and temperatures drop, I undergo a dramatic shift. I am a tender plant, and cold weather signals me to enter a state of dormancy. My growth grinds to a complete halt. I will not produce new leaves or flowers during this time. My metabolic processes slow down significantly to conserve energy. Because I am not actively growing and because the evaporation rate from the soil is much lower, my water requirements plummet. Continuing a summer watering schedule through the winter would be disastrous for me. My dormant roots are far less active and cannot absorb large quantities of water from the cold, slow-drying soil.
The single greatest threat to my life in winter is overwatering. The phrase "cold, wet feet" perfectly describes the condition I dread. When my root zone is both cold and saturated, the combination is a recipe for root rot. The fragile roots, already stressed by the cold, begin to decay in the oxygen-deprived, soggy soil. This damage might not be immediately apparent above ground, but by the time my leaves turn yellow and drop, the damage below is often severe and irreversible. During winter, my caretaker should allow the soil to dry out much more thoroughly between waterings. I may only need a deep drink every two to three weeks, or even less if there has been significant rainfall. The key is to check the soil moisture several inches down before even considering the watering can.
