From our vantage point in the soil, the difference between too much and too little water is a matter of life and death. When overwatered, we roots are drowning. The saturated soil pushes out all the air, and we cannot breathe. We begin to suffocate and rot, turning soft, brown, and mushy. This rot prevents us from performing our most critical job: absorbing water and nutrients to send to the rest of the plant. Ironically, this means the plant above will show signs of thirst, even though the soil is wet. Conversely, when underwatered, we become brittle, dry, and shrink. We are desperate for moisture, and without it, we cannot sustain the plant's cellular functions. The entire system begins to shut down from a lack of hydraulic pressure.
Our leaves are the most honest indicators of our well-being. In cases of overwatering, you will see us become soft, limp, and droopy. We may feel cool and damp to the touch. Our vibrant green color will often fade to a pale or yellowish hue, particularly on the older leaves closer to the soil. We might even develop unsightly, water-soaked spots or blisters, called edema, because our cells are taking in more water than they can hold and literally rupture. Underwatering tells a very different story. Our leaves will become dry, crispy, and brittle. We will wilt dramatically, feeling papery and thin. Our edges and tips will often turn brown first, and we may curl inward or droop in a brittle, dramatic fashion in a last-ditch effort to conserve every last bit of moisture.
The environment you provide us speaks volumes. The soil itself is a key indicator. If it is constantly soggy, cold, and clings to your finger with a musty smell, it is a clear sign of overwatering. This environment is a breeding ground for fungi and mold, which can appear as white fuzz on the soil surface—a sure sign of trouble. A pot that feels excessively heavy for its size also signals waterlogged soil. For underwatering, the evidence is just as clear. The soil will pull away from the edges of the pot, become hard and compacted, and feel dust-dry deep below the surface. The pot will be unusually light. Furthermore, our growth will be severely stunted or cease entirely, as we lack the basic resources needed to produce new cells and develop.
Our needs are simple: we crave consistency and a chance to breathe. We do not want to sit in a swamp, nor do we want to live in a desert. The goal is moist, well-aerated soil that allows our roots to access water and oxygen in perfect balance. The best way to understand our needs is to check the soil moisture before you water. Insert your finger about two inches down. If it feels dry, it is time for a drink. If it still feels moist, please wait. Ensure our pot has adequate drainage holes so any excess water can escape, preventing us from sitting in a puddle. This mindful approach is the greatest kindness you can show us.
