From our perspective, the question of watering frequency is fundamentally about the health of our root system. We are a potted Daphne, which means our world is confined. Unlike our cousins in the ground, we cannot send roots out in search of moisture. Our entire existence depends on the medium provided in the container. Our roots demand a consistent level of moisture—they abhor being completely dry, as this causes fine root hairs to desiccate and die, severely limiting our ability to uptake water and nutrients. Conversely, they cannot tolerate sitting in saturated, oxygen-deprived soil. This "wet feet" condition leads to root rot, a fatal condition for us. Therefore, the ideal state is a consistently moist, but never soggy, root environment.
You cannot simply water us on a fixed schedule like every Tuesday. Our thirst is influenced by several dynamic environmental factors. The season is paramount. During our active growth and flowering periods in spring and early summer, we require more frequent watering to support this energy-intensive activity. In the heat of summer, evaporation from the soil and transpiration from our leaves increases dramatically, demanding even closer attention. During our dormant period in winter, our water needs diminish significantly, and overwatering becomes a grave danger. Other factors include the size and material of our pot (clay pots dry out faster than plastic), the composition of the potting mix (some retain water better than others), and the amount of sunlight and wind we are exposed to.
To understand our needs, you must engage with us directly. The most reliable method is the finger test. Please insert your finger into the top 2-3 inches of our soil. Do not just touch the surface. If the soil at that depth feels dry to the touch, it is a clear signal that we require water. If it still feels cool and slightly moist, we are content for now. For a more precise measurement, you could use a moisture meter. We also communicate through our foliage. A slight, temporary wilting on a hot afternoon is normal, but if we are still wilted in the morning, we are under significant water stress and need immediate attention. However, please try to water us before we reach this stressed state.
When it is time to water, please do so thoroughly and thoughtfully. Apply water slowly to the surface of the soil until you see it begin to run freely out of the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot. This ensures the entire root ball has been evenly moistened. It is crucial that you allow this excess water to drain away completely. Never let us sit in a saucer full of water, as this will suffocate our roots. Empty the saucer after 15-20 minutes. We generally prefer lukewarm water and appreciate a consistent approach, avoiding wild swings between completely dry and utterly drenched.
