Chrysanthemums (mums) are popular flowering plants that provide a spectacular burst of color as summer fades into autumn. Ensuring the long-term health and impressive bloom display of these plants depends largely on proper hydration. Mums require consistent moisture throughout their growing season. Getting the watering routine right requires understanding the plant’s environment and responding to its specific needs rather than following a rigid schedule.
Determining When and How to Water
The most effective way to determine if your chrysanthemum needs water is to check the moisture level of the soil using the “finger test.” Insert your index finger about one to two inches into the soil near the base of the plant. If the soil feels dry at that depth, it is time to water; if it still feels moist, wait before checking again. This physical check is more reliable than watering on a fixed calendar day, as soil drying rates change constantly based on temperature and wind.
When it is time to water, the goal is to provide a deep, thorough soaking that saturates the entire root zone without causing the soil to become waterlogged. For mums planted in containers, apply water until it begins to flow freely from the drainage holes. For plants in the ground, deep watering encourages the root system to establish itself more firmly. Always direct the water at the base of the plant and the soil surface, taking care to avoid wetting the leaves and flower heads. Watering the foliage can create an environment conducive to fungal diseases like leaf spot or mildew.
Adjusting Requirements Based on Environment
The frequency of watering your chrysanthemum is significantly influenced by where it is planted. Mums in containers require much more frequent watering than those planted directly in the garden bed. Container soil has a smaller volume and is exposed to air, causing it to dry out rapidly, often requiring water every one to two days during warmer weather. Garden mums benefit from the soil’s natural moisture retention and may only need a deep watering every seven to ten days, supplemented by rainfall.
Soil composition and sun exposure also dictate how quickly water is used or lost. Plants in sandy soil, which allows water to drain quickly, will need more frequent applications than those in heavier clay-based soils, which hold moisture for longer periods. Chrysanthemums placed in full sun will transpire more water and dry out faster than those that receive some afternoon shade. Water needs also change with the season; during the active growth and budding phase, plants are thirstier, but after the blooms fade and the weather cools, the watering frequency must be reduced, particularly if the plant is overwintering.
Identifying Symptoms of Poor Watering
Observing your chrysanthemum’s foliage and stems provides the clearest indication of whether its hydration needs are being met. An underwatered plant exhibits wilting, where the leaves and stems droop because of a lack of turgor pressure. If the dryness persists, the edges of the lower leaves will begin to turn brown and become crispy as the plant attempts to conserve its remaining moisture. This wilting is a signal that a deep drink is immediately necessary to allow the plant to recover.
Overwatering causes a different set of symptoms that can often be mistaken for dehydration. Leaves on an overwatered plant will also wilt, but they will begin to turn yellow, often starting with the lower foliage. Prolonged saturation of the soil deprives the roots of oxygen, leading to root rot, which is evidenced by soft, mushy stems and a sickly appearance. In potted plants, you may also notice a fuzzy white mold or algae growth on the soil surface, indicating consistently waterlogged conditions. Addressing overwatering requires ensuring excellent drainage and allowing the top layer of soil to dry out completely before watering again.