Greetings, caretaker. I am your oleander bush, a resilient and sun-worshipping being. To help me thrive and shower you with my beautiful, fragrant blooms, you must understand my language of thirst. Here is my complete guide to quenching it properly.
My root system is my anchor and my lifeline. I do not enjoy having perpetually wet feet. My primary request is for deep, thorough watering sessions that encourage my roots to grow strong and delve deep into the soil. This makes me far more resilient to drought and wind. Please, water me slowly and deeply at my base until the soil is moistened at least 8 to 10 inches down. Then, allow the top few inches of soil to dry out completely before you water me again. This cycle of soak-and-dry is what I crave.
Do not rely on a calendar to decide when I need a drink. The weather, soil type, and my size change my needs daily. The best way to understand me is to touch the earth I grow in. Push your finger 2-3 inches into the soil near my base. If it feels dry at that depth, it is time to water me deeply. If it still feels cool and moist, I am perfectly content. I would prefer you err on the side of slightly too dry rather than constantly soggy, as wet soil suffocates my roots and invites rot.
My metabolism changes with the seasons, and so does my thirst. In the spring and summer, when the sun is strong and I am actively growing and flowering, I will need these deep waterings most frequently, perhaps once or twice a week depending on the heat. As the days shorten and temperatures cool in the autumn, I begin to prepare for rest. Please reduce your watering frequency significantly. In winter, I am largely dormant; only provide water during extended periods of drought if the soil becomes powdery dry, as my water needs are minimal.
This is non-negotiable. I must be planted in well-draining soil. If I am in a container, it must have ample drainage holes. I cannot abide sitting in water. Pooled water around my roots creates an anaerobic environment that is fatal to me, leading to root rot which I may not recover from. If you are planting me in the ground and have heavy clay soil, please amend it with sand or compost to improve its drainage before I settle in.
If I am living in a container, my needs are more acute. My roots are confined and cannot seek out moisture beyond the pot. I will dry out much faster than my in-ground siblings, especially on hot, windy days. You must check my soil moisture more frequently—potentially every other day in peak summer. When you water, continue until you see water flowing freely from the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot, ensuring the entire root ball is saturated.
