Watering

Where, When and How Much?

     Only put water on the soil- Even though plants like an occasional shower and too having their leaves washed, remember, only the water that reaches the soil helps.

     When do I water? Most houseplants are happy with a good soaking once a week. The best test is to lift the plant when it needs to be watered and then again after a thorough watering. Feel how heavy the pot is. Using this as a guide, you can determine when your plant needs watering. It might be twice weekly or even twice monthly. Never let your plant go completely dry more than a couple of days.   

Under watering is very damaging. It causes wilting, leaf tip browning leaf drop and brown dry roots.

Over watering is the most common mistake owners make. The aim is well drained soil that is evenly moist. Plants should not stand in water.  Over watering causes wilt, yellow leaf dropping, brown or black leaf spots, stunted growth and root rot.  Plants need less water in the winter because there is less light and therefore less growth.

Some Watering Tips

Only use room temperature water.

Water your plants when they need it, not by the calendar.

If you are using water with chlorine or fluoride allow it to sit 24 hours in order for the chemicals to dissipate.

       There are three main watering categories.

Moist- Plants in this group need to be consistently moist. Water heavily and allow the water to sit in the saucer for three hours. Empty the excess water. When the surface starts to dry a little, water again.  Do not allow the soil to dry out.

Slightly Dry- Plants in this category should dry some between watering. Water thoroughly, letting excess water drain for ten minutes. Empty saucer. When the top one inch of soil feels dry water again.  Every two to five days, press a finger into the top inch of the soil. If it is dry, water. If moist do not water.

Dry-  Plants in this category must dry completely between thorough watering. Press  deep into the soil to test for dryness before thoroughly watering again. Empty excess water after ten minutes.

NOTE! There are some exceptions, like the lucky bamboo that can stay in water without the worry of over watering, even though the water must be changed occasionally. 

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Last modified: 11/17/09