From our perspective, the most critical aspect of your watering can is what it does to our roots. We develop a dense network of tuberous roots that are excellent at storing water but are also highly susceptible to rot if left sitting in saturated soil. Our primary request is for a environment that cycles between moist and slightly dry. When you water us thoroughly, our roots happily drink up the moisture they need. The crucial next step is allowing the excess water to drain completely and then waiting for the top layer of soil to dry out before the next watering. This cycle provides us with essential oxygen to our root zone, preventing the fungal diseases that can be fatal to us.
Please do not water us on a fixed calendar schedule. Our thirst is influenced by many factors like room temperature, humidity, light exposure, and pot size. The most reliable way to know if we need water is to physically check our soil. Insert your finger into the soil up to the first knuckle (about 1-2 inches deep). If the soil at that depth feels completely dry, it is the perfect time for a deep, thorough watering. If you feel any moisture or coolness, please wait and check again in a day or two. This simple act is the single best thing you can do to ensure our health and promote our vibrant blooms.
When our soil is dry to the touch, we appreciate a specific watering method. Use a watering can with a long spout to apply water directly to the soil at the base of our stems, avoiding wetting our foliage and flowers, as this can invite disease. Water us slowly and consistently until you see water beginning to escape from the drainage holes at the bottom of our pot. This ensures the entire root ball has been saturated. It is absolutely imperative that any excess water is allowed to drain away completely. Never let us sit in a saucer full of water, as this will drown our roots and lead to rot.
Our growth cycle dictates our water needs throughout the year. During our active growth and bloom period in the late winter and spring, we are working hard and will need more frequent watering, likely requiring you to check our soil moisture every 3-5 days. However, after our blooms fade and our foliage begins to yellow and die back, we are entering our dormant period. This is a critical time for us to rest. You must gradually reduce watering, eventually stopping completely once the foliage has died back. Our tubers need to be stored dry during this dormancy to conserve energy for the next growing season.
