Houseplant Watering Rules are not as simple as they sound. Learn the correct way to water your indoor plants so that they remain healthy and happy!
Every indoor plant has different requirements when it comes to watering. However, if you follow the right Houseplant Watering Rules, you will be able to take good care of them.
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Houseplant Watering Rules
1. Perfect Time to Water Houseplants
The perfect time to water your houseplants is when you notice the topsoil getting dry. Avoid watering the plant when the soil is still moist. If you have different houseplants, you will get an idea about their watering needs in 1-2 weeks and then you can form a routine accordingly.
Never let plants reach the stage of wilting leaves, as it is an indication of severe underwatering.
2. Water According to the Plant’s Requirements
All plants do not have the same watering needs. If you are not sure how much water your plant requires, take signs from nature. If you have different varieties of plants, club them together according to their watering needs so you could water them all at the same time interval.
Some houseplants like philodendrons have big foliage that takes lots of water as compared to succulents and cacti that prefer the soil to dry out between waterings.
3. Climate Conditions
The time of the year matters a lot. Many houseplants flourish abundantly during spring and summer but not as much in fall and winter. If you notice stunted growth than usual, take it easy on how much you water until they start growing again. During monsoons, you might have to cut down watering as the soil dries out late in the season.
4. Best Water for Plants
Borewell and well water are generally best for plants. You can also use regular R/O water. If you have an aquarium in your house then nothing like it! As it contains small amounts of fish waste, it is going to act like an organic fertilizer every time you are going to water your plants with it.
5. Follow Correct Watering Method
Avoid watering your plants from foliage and never pour water from the jar directly on the leaves. Water slowly in the pot till it starts to flow from the drainage holes. If you have a saucer below the pot, make sure that you are draining all from it, as the soil ends up sucking that water, and it is bad for plants like succulents.
6. Choose a Right Container
Avoid growing houseplants in too large or small containers. Correct-sized pots with proper drainage holes allow the excess water to drain out. If you are growing plants in a pot without drainage holes, put a layer of stones at the bottom of the container so extra water doesn’t get into direct contact with soil and roots.
How to Check If You’re Overwatering Your Houseplants
- Soft and wilted leaves indicate that you have overwatered the plant.
- Brown leaves are also a sign of either an under or overwatered plant. Check the soil accordingly.
- Always check the topsoil by poking your finger. If it feels too dry or too wet, you need to tailor your watering so that you find the right middle balance.
