Killing by not watering enough...

Watering's a no brainer, right? Plants need water to live...so we water. BUT too much and too little can be deadly.

Underwaterers fall into one of two camps (both with fatal outcomes for the plants):

1. Plant neglecters
2. Plant caretakers

The general rule, applicable in nearly all situations is: water well, wait until the plant is nearly dry to water again, don't let the plant totally dry out.

Most people understand some version of this rule almost instinctively and true plant neglect is, for the plants, fortunately rare. More often it is unintentional...a byproduct of busy lives and fast-paced modern society.

Plant caretakers who underwater are more insidious and problematic--particularly with respect to cacti and succulents. Caretakers are informed and well-intentioned. They know enough to be dangerous. Often they grow cacti and succulents because of their "low-maintenance...don't need water..." reputation.

The fact of the matter is that many plants, even those not generally considered succulent, have evolved the capacity to store varying amounts of water for days when it is in short supply. The contrivances buy which this is accomplished are many and discussed elsewhere. The point is that many plants are capable of withstanding shortages of water because of these adaptations.

BUT THEY STILL NEED WATER!

Our bodies are more than half water by weight and about 3/4's of our volume is water. These figures are far less than similar measures in plants where as much as 95% of some plants weight is attributable to water. The critical nature of water to both forms of life is obvious.

The hardest lesson to learn for any grower (particularly of succulents) is how and when to water. Yes; even succulent plants need water, sometimes lots of it. But many of these specialized plants have seasons of growth--and seasons of rest. These have evolved, along with the water storing capacity, in response to particular rainfall patterns...seasons of plenty and seasons of drought. Water at the wrong time and the plant won't be able to handle it (see 'Killing with too much water...'). When in active growth, many can take more water than you think--and will grow better and faster to thank you for it.

Plants are amazingly tolerant of our ignorance of what they need--often hanging on far longer than they out to, until we improve our cultural practices. Learn the watering needs/requirements of the plants you're trying to grow. They'll thank you in spades for the little extra effort it takes.

Underwatering kills...

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