From our perspective as oregano plants, water is the essential medium for life. Our roots are designed to absorb water, which travels up through our stems to our leaves, facilitating photosynthesis and keeping our cells turgid and firm. However, our roots also require oxygen from the air pockets in the soil to respire and create energy. The ideal condition is moist, well-draining soil that provides both hydration and aeration. When this balance is disrupted by too much or too little water, our entire system goes into distress, manifesting in distinct ways.
When we are overwatered, our soil becomes perpetually saturated. This waterlogged environment is catastrophic for our root systems. The air pockets in the soil are filled with water, effectively suffocating our roots and cutting off their oxygen supply. Without oxygen, the roots begin to die and rot. You will first notice our leaves turning a pale green or even yellow, starting with the older, lower leaves. This is because the rotting roots can no longer effectively transport nutrients. Our leaves and stems will feel soft, mushy, and limp to the touch, much like a wet paper towel, due to the cells rupturing from excess water. The most telling sign is at the base of our stems, which may become blackened, soft, and weak. A foul, musty odor from the soil is a clear signal that root rot has set in.
In contrast, underwatering puts us under a different kind of stress: dehydration. Without sufficient water, we cannot maintain the internal water pressure that keeps our leaves and stems upright and rigid. The first symptom you will observe is wilting; our leaves will droop and our stems may become limp. However, unlike the mushy wilt of overwatering, our leaves will feel dry, brittle, and papery. They will begin to curl at the edges to reduce surface area and minimize water loss through transpiration. The color of our leaves will change from a vibrant green to a dull, greyish-green, and they will eventually turn brown and crispy, starting at the tips and margins. The soil will pull away from the edges of the pot, and the entire plant will appear lifeless and dry.
The most reliable method to understand our needs is to check the soil conditions you have provided for us. Do not rely on a schedule; instead, interact with our environment. Insert your finger about two inches into the soil near our base. If the soil feels soggy, cold, and clings to your finger, we are drowning and need you to stop watering immediately. Allow the soil to dry out considerably. If the soil feels bone-dry, dusty, and pulls completely away from your finger and the pot, we are desperately thirsty and require a deep, thorough watering until water runs freely from the drainage holes. We crave consistency—water deeply only when the top inch of soil has become dry.
