From our perspective, water is not a mere supplement; it is the very essence of our existence. Our shallow, fibrous root systems spread out just beneath the soil's surface, eagerly seeking moisture and nutrients. We are not like deep-rooted plants that can tap into hidden water reserves. We live in the here and now, reliant on what is immediately available in the top few inches of soil. Our succulent stems and tender leaves are composed of over 90% water, making us incredibly efficient at moving water and nutrients throughout our system to support our rapid growth and prolific blooming. When you provide us with consistent moisture, you are directly fueling our entire biological process—from photosynthesis in our leaves to the production of every vibrant flower that brings you joy.
We do not enjoy extremes. We wilt dramatically when thirsty, our leaves drooping and stems going limp in a clear, desperate signal. However, we equally despise having our roots sit in constantly soggy, waterlogged soil. This suffocates us, cutting off the oxygen supply to our roots and inviting rot-causing pathogens to attack. The perfect drink for us is a deep, thorough watering that saturates our entire root zone. Water us slowly at the base, avoiding our foliage to prevent leaf-spot diseases. Please continue until you see water just beginning to escape from the drainage holes of our container. This method encourages our roots to grow strong and deep within the pot or bed, making us more resilient.
We are quite communicative about our needs. The most obvious signal is wilting. A slight wilt on a hot afternoon is normal and we will often perk up by evening as temperatures cool. However, if we are still wilted in the morning, that is a urgent cry for help. You can also check the soil itself. Push your finger about an inch into the soil near our stems. If it feels dry to the touch, it is time to water. For those of us in hanging baskets or small pots, we will need water much more frequently—often daily or even twice daily during peak summer heat. Our counterparts in the ground, with more soil mass, may only need watering every few days. Always let the soil's moisture level, not the calendar, be your guide.
Our water needs are not static; they change with our environment. During the intense heat and long days of summer, we are working overtime to grow and flower, and evaporation rates are high. This is when we are at our thirstiest. In the cooler, shorter days of spring and fall, our growth slows and evaporation decreases, meaning we will require less frequent watering. The amount of sun we receive also plays a critical role. We planted in full sun will transpire (lose water through our leaves) much faster than those in full shade. Please adjust your watering rhythm to accommodate these seasonal and locational shifts to keep us perfectly hydrated without becoming waterlogged.
