The age-old question that has plagued plant parents for centuries: how often should you water your indoor plants?
If you have indoor plants, one of the most frequent questions you will probably have is how often you should water them. The truth is, there is no standard answer for this. Overwatering is just as dangerous as underwatering and a lot of issues with houseplants are due to the wrong interpretation of the moisture level of the soil.
This article is all about what watering really is, what happens with soil and water, and how to know if your plants need water.
Watering schedules are not something that can be generalized.
The immediate environment of houseplants is different in every house. Amount of light, room temperature, humidity, size of pot and type of soil all impact the rate of evaporation and root absorption.
Even watering on a strict schedule is going to result in overwatering. The key to watering is to monitor the soil and respond to the plant.
How to Take the Soil into Consideration When Watering
Think of soil as more than just the medium that roots sit in. Soil dictates the flow of water, the retention of water and the presence of air that roots receive.
Soil blends also retain water at different rates. A heavier soil will retain water longer than a soil that drains well. Understanding your plant’s soil blend will also aid you in determining your watering frequency.
Infiltration, Percolation, and Runoff: How Water Flows in Soil
When you water a plant, the water travels down the potting mix. Excess water should be flushed out of the bottom of the pot so that the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
If there is no place for water to go, the roots stay waterlogged. This can make the roots short of oxygen and potentially even damage the root. The roots of your plants need water and oxygen.
How You Are Watering Wrong
A lot of people love their plants and want the best for them, but are actually killing them due to improper watering techniques.
Too much water can cause root rot, which turns the roots mushy. It can also lead to various health problems, depending on the plant.
The number one killer of indoor plants is overwatering. When the soil is always moist, it clogs up the roots and doesn’t allow them to take in nutrients.
Yellow leaves, weak stems, slow growth, or a sour odor from the soil are indications of overwatering.
Inadequate Watering and Water Loss
Underwatering: leaves curl, brown at the edges, droop, and this occurs if the soil stays completely dry for too long.
Though underwatering is typically less of a problem than overwatering, it can also cause the plant to become stressed if it happens multiple times.
Here are some tips for measuring soil moisture effectively.
Rather than guess, or water on a schedule, it’s better to learn how to check the soil moisture.
fingering
Stick your finger in the dirt. If it is dry to a depth of 2-5 cm, it’s time to water. If it’s still damp, wait a while.
This is the simple method that is usually effective for most indoor plants.
Look at the Soil
If the soil feels dry, it will appear lighter and will have shrunk from the sides of the pot. If the soil feels damp, it will be darker and will feel cooler to the touch.
Eventually, you’ll learn to identify visual cues for moisture.
“Keep the pot size and drainage in mind.
Smaller pots will need to be watered more frequently than larger pots. A pot that has no drainage will retain more water than a pot that does, meaning you are more likely to water it excessively.
Drainage is important because it will enable you to properly water your plant while keeping the roots safe.
Why Some Plants Need More Water than Others
Different plants have different watering needs. Knowing the category your plant falls into can go a long way in avoiding common pitfalls.
Some tropical foliage plants require the soil to be constantly moist, whereas cacti and succulents demand that the soil dry thoroughly between waterings.
You may need to water flowering plants more when they’re in bloom and less when they’re dormant.
Factors That Influence How Often You Water
Your plant’s watering schedule will also depend on the room conditions.
More light causes it to use more water, less light less. The hotter the room, the faster the soil dries out. The drier the air, the faster the soil will dry out.
Season is another consideration. In the cold, dark winter, most plants require less water.
Establishing A Watering Schedule
Some tips to keep in mind are to always feel the soil before watering to determine the moisture level, and to water in accordance with the weather and the needs of the plant. The best schedule will vary depending on the environment.
You need to water thoroughly so the water runs out, but wait until the soil is dry to your required level before rewatering. This will help your roots to develop well, and prevent them from being too shallow.
How to read your plants
If your plants are wilting, turning yellow, or not growing as fast as you expected, this could be an indication that you need to change the way you water them.
Rather than rushing to act, watch the plant and the soil to see if the problem has to do with water.
Tips to Help You Water with Confidence
Knowing when to water your indoor plants takes practice. Over time, as you watch the soil and your plants, you will begin to make the right choices.