Do you know about the Benefits of Bottom Watering your Plants? If not, then go through this informative article.
Watering plays a vital role when it comes to keeping your plants healthy and green. Here’s all you need to know about the Benefits of Bottom Watering your Plants!
Here are the top houseplant watering rules you must follow
What is Bottom Watering?
Bottom watering is a method where you dip the bottom end (2-3 inches of the pot) in a large container filled with water for 10-12 minutes. The soil in the pot absorbs/sucks the water through the drainage holes. It is an easy method to water small potted plants.
Difference between Top Watering and Bottom Watering
When you water the plant from the top, it often gets in the foliage. It also makes the soil overtly wet sometimes, which can be deadly for plants like succulents. If you let the planter sit in a drainage plate for long, it may cause root rot in plants.
On the other hand, bottom watering provides the water in a limited quantity that does not over-saturate and prevents over-watering. This procedure also keeps the humidity in check, which makes the root system healthier. You can follow the bottom watering method where plants don’t like wet foliage as it causes leaf drop or yellow patches.
How to Bottom Water Your Plants
- Fill the sink, tub, or a large shallow container with 2-3 inches of water and dip the bottom end of the pot in it.
- Set the potted plants in a straight position and allow them to sit in the water for at least 10-12 minutes before you take them out. After the session, you will notice that the soil is moist; note that sometimes the topsoil does not get wet, and that’s fine.
Note: Remember that different types of soil mixes have diverse levels of water absorption capacity. E.g., the cactus mix consists of perlite and rock, and it cannot soak water compared to bark and sphagnum moss.
Important Point to Consider
- Bottom watering is perfect for small to medium-sized plants that can be moved easily.
- Be careful with delicate plants as they can be damaged easily.
- While bottom watering, you can mix plant food in the water, making sure it won’t leave marks on the tub or sink.
