To understand my watering needs, you must first understand where I come from. My ancestors are from the coastal forests of South Africa. This means I am built for resilience. In my natural habitat, rainfall can be unpredictable, followed by periods of sunshine that dry the soil. My thick, tuberous roots are designed for this very purpose; they act like tiny water storage tanks, allowing me to sip on saved moisture during drier spells. This is the most important clue to watering me correctly: I prefer to dry out a bit between drinks. Constantly wet feet are a death sentence for me, as my water-logged roots cannot breathe and will quickly rot.
The most reliable method is to check my soil's moisture level directly. Do not rely on a fixed calendar schedule, as my thirst changes with the seasons and my environment. Please, stick your finger about one to two inches into the soil near my base. If the soil feels dry at that depth, it is time to water me thoroughly. If it still feels cool or moist, please wait a few more days and check again. I will show you subtle signs, too. When I am thirsty, the rich green colour of my leaves may fade slightly, and they might feel less rigid. However, it is much safer to slightly underwater me than to overwater. I can recover from a little wilting, but root rot is often fatal.
When my soil is dry, I appreciate a deep, thorough watering. This means you should pour water evenly over the soil until it begins to flow freely from the drainage holes at the bottom of my pot. This process ensures that all of my roots, especially the deeper ones, receive the hydration they need. It also helps to flush out any excess salts that may have built up from fertilizer. Crucially, you must let all the excess water drain away completely. Never let me sit in a saucer full of water for more than an hour. If you are using tap water, let it sit out for 24 hours beforehand. I am sensitive to the fluoride and chlorine found in many municipal water supplies, which can cause the tips of my leaves to turn brown.
My growth cycle and, therefore, my watering needs change dramatically with the seasons. During the spring and summer, I am in my active growing phase. With more sunlight and warmer temperatures, I am busy producing new leaves and even little plantlets (my "spiderettes"). My soil will dry out much faster, so you will need to check my moisture levels more frequently, perhaps once a week or so. In the autumn and winter, my growth slows down significantly, entering a period of dormancy. With less light and cooler temperatures, I use far less water. The soil will take much longer to dry out. During these months, you may only need to water me every two to three weeks, or even less. Always let the soil's dryness, not the calendar, be your guide.
Beyond the seasons, several other elements in my environment affect how quickly I dry out. The amount of light I receive is a major factor. If I am placed in a very bright, sunny spot, I will need water more often than if I am in a location with low, indirect light. The size and material of my pot also matter. I dry out much faster in a small terracotta pot, which is porous, than in a large plastic pot. The type of soil I am planted in is critical; a well-draining, peat-based potting mix is ideal for me. It holds enough moisture for my roots to access but allows excess water to drain away quickly, preventing sogginess. Finally, the humidity in your home plays a role. In dry, heated homes during winter, I might need a bit more frequent watering than in a humid summer environment.
