Watering indoor plants may seem easy enough, yet many of us find it difficult to do so properly. It can be difficult to determine precisely when, how often, and how much water each plant needs due to variables. This article will teach you the correct way to water indoor plants, what kind of water is best to use, and how to spot the warning signs of overwatering. If you follow our instructions, you won’t ever have to deal with brown, mushy plants or crispy, dried-out leaves again.
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How Much to Water Houseplants
Consider your particular varietals’ needs in their natural habitats if you’re unsure about how much water they require, as not all plants have the same requirements. Numerous well-known houseplants, such as philodendrons, are native to tropical regions of the globe with frequent rainfall.
Large leaves that need a lot of watering are typical for these plants. These kinds of plants require more water than desert occupants like succulents and cacti, which usually thrive when the soil is allowed to dry out in between waterings.
Furthermore, the season can have an impact. In the spring and summer, many indoor plants grow more, but in the fall and winter, they grow less. Reduce the amount of water your plants receive if you see less growth than normal until they begin to grow more once more.
When to Water Your Indoor Plants
Generally speaking, you should water your plants if you notice any wilting leaves, but you don’t want to allow them to get to this stage. It deteriorates their appearance and reduces their resistance to illness. Rather, develop the habit of checking on your houseplants to determine if they require watering at least once a week. Additionally, you may use an app like Happy Plant or Waterbug to help you remember when it’s time to go around.
Putting your finger about an inch into the potting mix is the easiest way to determine whether your plants need watering. Get the watering can out if it seems dry. If you notice any wetness, return in a day or two. Alternatively, you can take up the entire container for smaller houseplants. Add water if it seems light for its size. After that, raise it one more to get a feel for how heavy the pot should feel with moist soil. When choosing how much water to give indoor plants, timing is crucial.
It is better to water in the morning rather than the evening because the leaves will have more time to dry out and evaporate during the day’s generally warmer temperatures. The longer excessive moisture remains on plant leaves, the greater the likelihood of illnesses developing.
The Best Water for Houseplants
The kind of water you use for your houseplants relies on a few different factors. Unless it has been softened, the majority of tap water should be suitable for houseplants. This is because softened water contains salts, which can accumulate in the soil over time and cause issues. Most houseplants can also be safely placed in chlorinated water, although it’s much better for your plants if you have a filtration system. Rainwater collection is an additional choice.
Using room-temperature water is always the best approach to water indoor plants, regardless of the type of water you select. Extreme temperatures (very hot or cold water) might harm the leaves on your houseplants and possibly put them into shock.
How to Give Indoor Plants Water
The soil feels dry, and your room-temperature water is ready to use. What now? Although you might be tempted to drizzle on some water to prevent overwatering, your plants won’t benefit much from this. The ideal way to water indoor plants is to saturate the soil surrounding each plant completely, adding more water as needed until the water begins to run out of the drainage hole at the base of the container, since most of the roots are not directly at the soil’s surface.
The soil of your plant may occasionally absorb a little bit more water if you collect the excess on a saucer while it is sitting in it. But, after ten minutes or so, be careful to empty the saucer to prevent root rot in your plant. Filling a saucer or other form of basin with water and placing your plant containers inside to absorb water from their bases is another method for watering indoor plants.
In a few minutes, you’ll notice that the water has seeped into the soil through the drainage holes. Continue adding water to the saucer until it is no longer absorbed. For plants like cactus, succulents, and African violets that dislike having moisture close to their stems, this is the best way to water them.
How to Recognize If Your Indoor Plants Are Being Overwatered
Pots feature drainage holes for a purpose. Your plant will drown and die if its roots are deprived of oxygen by too much water. Maintaining consistently damp soil might impede the flow of air to the roots, even in cases where proper drainage is present. Before it’s too late to save your plants, there are a few techniques to determine whether you are overwatering them.
Overwatering may be indicated by yellowing leaves that are falling off and no new development. Wilting is another thing you could notice, and it can be perplexing because it’s another indication of not enough water. When you see these issues, the answer is to inspect the soil. A plant moisture meter can be quite helpful in this regard. You should definitely take it easier on the water if it seems damp. You might need to water your plant more if the soil is dry.
If you think you may have an overwatering issue, you can also utilize your nose. An abundance of moisture promotes the growth of bacteria and fungi in the soil, which can lead to foul smells, particularly when the roots are decaying.
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