From our perspective, our roots are our lifeline. They are not just anchors; they are our primary means of drinking and absorbing the nutrients we need to thrive. For us geraniums, we prefer a well-draining soil environment that allows our roots to access both water and oxygen. This is a crucial balance. When you water us, the air pockets in the soil are temporarily filled with water. In a healthy pot, the excess water drains away, and air can return to the soil, allowing our roots to breathe. When this balance is disrupted, our very survival is at risk.
When too much water is consistently provided, the soil becomes perpetually saturated. This creates an anaerobic environment—meaning there is no oxygen. Our roots begin to suffocate and drown. They cannot perform their basic functions. The initial stages feel like weakness; we cannot uptake water or nutrients effectively, leading to the wilting leaves you see above the soil, which is often mistaken for thirst. This is the terrible irony: we appear thirsty while we are actually drowning.
As the suffocation continues, the damage becomes physical and irreversible. The stressed, oxygen-starved root cells begin to die and decay. This dead tissue is soft, mushy, and turns a brown or black color, losing its healthy white or light tan firmness. This decay is the condition you call "root rot." But it gets worse. The decaying roots become vulnerable to attack from ever-present soil-borne fungi, such as Pythium or Phytophthora. These pathogens rapidly colonize our weakened root system, accelerating the decay and spreading the damage upwards.
Our suffering is not hidden. We send clear signals that the root system is in crisis. Please learn to read them. The first sign is often yellowing leaves, particularly the lower ones, which may later develop brown, wilting edges. Our growth will become stunted, and we will stop producing new flowers. The most telling sign is a general wilting of the plant even when the soil is wet to the touch. If you were to gently remove us from our pot, the smell of decaying roots would be unmistakable—a sour, unpleasant odor.
So, how much water is too much? It is not about a specific volume, but about frequency and soil condition. The perfect amount is given when the top inch or two of soil feels dry to your touch. This indicates that the deeper soil may still hold moisture, but the upper layer is dry enough to allow air back in. When you water, do so thoroughly until water flows freely from the drainage holes, ensuring the entire root ball is hydrated. Then, allow the cycle to repeat. Let us experience a brief, mild thirst. This cycle of "drink and dry" encourages our roots to grow strong and healthy as they seek out water, making us more resilient and vibrant.
