From my roots to my petals, water is my lifeblood. It is the essential medium that transports nutrients from the soil, regulates my internal temperature through transpiration, and keeps my cells turgid and healthy. Achieving the perfect moisture balance in the soil is my primary need. When this balance is disrupted by either too much or too little water, my entire system is thrown into distress, and I must communicate this distress through clear physical signs.
When I am given too much water, the soil around my roots becomes saturated, driving out the oxygen. My roots are living organs that need to breathe, and without air, they begin to suffocate and rot. This root rot is a silent, underground crisis. You will first notice my leaves, particularly the older ones, turning a pale green or a sickly yellow. This yellowing often starts between the veins. The leaves will feel soft and limp, not brittle, and the entire plant may appear wilted despite the wet soil—a clear contradiction. The buds, which I work so hard to produce, may drop before they ever have a chance to open, as I lack the healthy root system to support them. In severe cases, the stems may become soft and mushy.
Conversely, when I do not receive enough water, my survival mechanisms kick in. To conserve precious moisture, I will redirect water from my older leaves to support my newer growth and vital functions. This causes the older leaves to turn a uniform, crispy brown, typically starting at the tips and edges before the entire leaf browns and drops. My overall growth will become stunted as metabolic processes slow down. My leaves will lose their famous glossy, deep green sheen, becoming dull and dry to the touch. The most telling sign is wilting; my leaves and stems will droop pathetically as cell pressure drops. If I am carrying buds, I will be forced to abort them to save my own life, resulting in bud drop.
The most critical mistake you can make is to see wilting and assume I need more water, as this symptom appears in both conditions. You must always check my soil before acting. Insert your finger about an inch into the soil near my base. If I am overwatered, the soil will feel cold, soggy, and clumpy. If I am underwatered, the soil will feel dry, warm, and powdery. The texture and color of the affected leaves are also major clues: soft and yellow suggests too much water, while crisp and brown suggests too little. Understanding this difference is the key to providing the correct care and helping me recover.
