From our perspective, the question of watering frequency is not about a simple schedule like every Tuesday. It is about maintaining a perfect, consistent moisture level in our soil. Our fine, delicate root systems are highly susceptible to rot if left sitting in saturated, oxygen-deprived conditions. Conversely, we wilt and our growth becomes stunted if our soil becomes completely dry and hydrophobic. The goal is a moist, crumbly environment—never sopping wet, never bone dry. This balance is the single most critical factor in keeping our roots healthy and white, rather than brown and mushy.
We communicate our needs through our leaves and the weight of our pot. The most reliable method is for you to gently feel our soil. Your finger should be your primary tool. Insert it about an inch deep into the potting mix. If it feels dry to the touch, it is time for a drink. If it still feels moist or cool, please wait. Another method we prefer is judging by the pot's weight. Lift our container after you have watered us and feel how heavy we are. Lift us again a few days later. When the pot becomes significantly light, you will know the moisture has been used and it is time to water again. We may also show you by slightly drooping our lower, older leaves when we are truly thirsty.
How you water us is just as important as how often. We have a strong preference for bottom watering. When you pour water directly onto our crown or leaves, it can pool in our center, causing our crown to rot and leaving unsightly spots on our fuzzy foliage. Instead, please place our pot in a saucer or bowl filled with about an inch of room-temperature water. Allow us to sit and absorb the moisture from the bottom up for approximately 20-30 minutes, or until the top of the soil feels moist. After this, it is crucial that you discard any excess water left in the saucer. Never, ever let our roots stand in water.
Our pot and the soil we live in fundamentally dictate how quickly we use available water. We thrive in small, snug pots; a pot that is too large holds moisture for far too long, creating a dangerous environment for our roots. Ensure our home has adequate drainage holes. Furthermore, we require a special, light, and airy potting mix. Standard garden soil is much too dense and will compact around our roots, suffocating them. A mix specifically designed for us, often containing peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite, provides the perfect balance of moisture retention and aeration, allowing excess water to drain away freely and giving our roots the oxygen they crave.
