Watering a plant; how difficult can it be, right? Well, there’s a little more to it than you might expect.
An incorrect watering schedule is one of the most common ways to kill a plant. While many people believe not providing enough water is the more serious problem, over-watering houseplants is just as much, if not more, of an issue.
Add the fact that different plants require different watering habits, and it’s easy to see how a plant’s water requirements can become somewhat complicated. But don’t panic just yet. This guide to how often to water indoor plants will help keep your greenery happy, healthy and with just the right amount of moisture to thrive. Check some of the best houseplants UK in the Gardeners Dream blog.
What Factors Influence How Often Indoor Plants Need Watering?
A number of things can influence how much water indoor plants need to grow, from environmental factors to the choice of plant pot.
Time of Year
While most house plants are evergreen and don’t lose their leaves over winter, the time of year does have a bearing on their watering needs. Most plants need to be watered more often during the spring and summer and less frequently in autumn and winter. Even indoor plants are sensitive to the changing seasons so adjust your watering schedule to offer more water while the plant is actively growing.
Light and Temperature
As a general rule, plants growing in low light need watering less often than those growing in bright direct sun.
The same goes for temperature – the higher the room temperature is, the more water indoor plants need.
Size Of Pot
A large pot can hold more moisture than a small one. This means plants kept in smaller pots will usually need watered more frequently as the soil dries out faster. Those in larger pots can usually be left a little longer between waterings.
Type Of Pot
The type of pot can also affect how much water indoor plants need. Terra cotta and clay pots are porous and let in more air than plastic or ceramic pots. This means they need watered more frequently to prevent the soil from becoming too dry.
Whatever type of pot you choose, ensure it has plenty of drainage holes in the bottom to let excess water run off and help prevent root rot.
Type Of Potting Mix
Heavy potting mixes retain more moisture, so they need minimal watering. On the other hand, more frequent watering is needed for soil types like perlite, which are more lightweight and drain faster.
What Kind of Water to Use for House Plants
Some people choose to water indoor plants using distilled water. If your water supply is full of chemicals and minerals then using distilled water for plants can be a good idea. However, for most people, regular tap water is fine.
Fill a watering can or container with water and leave it standing for around 24 hours before watering plants. Doing this allows chemicals, such as chlorine, to evaporate and leaves room temperature water, which is less likely than cold or hot water to shock plants.
Even better for plants than water from the tap is rainwater. Not only is rainfall free to collect and use, it usually has a lower pH, which is great for keeping nutrients in the soil
What to Consider Before You Water Houseplants
Feel the Soil
Before adding more water, check how wet or dry the soil is. The easiest way to do this is to feel the soil surface with the tip of your finger. If it is moist to the touch, don’t water the plant. If the soil feels dry, dip your finger in a little further (you might want to use a chopstick or lollipop stick for this). If the top layer of soil is dry, then go ahead and give your plant a drink.
Inspect the Foliage
Most houseplants display symptoms when they need watered or have absorbed too much water. Check for signs of wilting, browning, yellowing or falling leaves before you water houseplants.
Often the symptoms presented by an underwatered plant and an overwatered plant are frustratingly similar. This means you’ll have to employ a little detective work to figure out the best course of action for your houseplant.
Check the Roots
Overwatered plants are more difficult to treat, as you may have the issue of root rot thrown in for good measure. An unpleasant odour coming from the soil is usually an indication that the plant is suffering from root rot, often as a result of too much water. Wait until the soil is dry throughout the pot before watering again if it is a bit whiffy.
How to Water Your Houseplants
How you water your houseplants is largely down to personal preference. Many plant parents will swear by one way or the other, but both watering from the top or the bottom has benefits.
From the Bottom
To water plants from the bottom, fill a bath, container or saucer with 2-3 inches of water and sit the pots inside. The water will soak up through the drainage holes to moisten the soil. Around 20 minutes is enough time for the potting mix to absorb as much water as it can, although larger plants will need longer.
If one of your plants is affected by a pest or disease, avoid bottom watering it alongside other houseplants to prevent the problem from spreading between plants.
From the Top
Pouring water onto the soil is the most popular way to water indoor plants. Ensure the soil is evenly wet so that all the roots can soak up the moisture. Keep pouring until you see water flowing from each drain hole in the pot. By doing this, you can make certain that the whole pot of soil is thoroughly watered. Always let excess water finish draining before replacing the plant into its decorative pot.
Avoid getting water on leaves or flowers, as this can lead to diseases taking hold. If the water drains right through the pot with no resistance at all, it may be time to repot your plant with fresh soil. Watering houseplants from the top can help flush out any salt or mineral buildup from tap water in the soil.
How Often Should You Water Different Types of Indoor Plants?
Each type of plant has its own watering needs. For example, a plant native to the desert won’t need as much water as one native to a rainy region.
Tropical Plants
Tropical plants, such as ferns and palms, are used to humid conditions and plenty of rain showers, so they may need watered up to twice a week while actively growing. Many plants in this category like to be misted 2-3 times a month.
Succulents
As many of these plants can store moisture in their fleshy leaves, watering succulents too often can be detrimental. Most succulent plants are drought tolerant and prefer completely dry soil before they get watered again. Water every week or 2 during the growing season and every 2-4 weeks in winter.
Orchids
Indoor orchids like to be watered frequently – twice a week in summer and once a week in winter is usually ideal. They don’t like dry air and appreciate the foliage being misted every few days – but be careful not to get the flowers wet as the water can stain them.
Popular Houseplants and How Often to Water Them
Specific plants have different watering needs. Unless you have a particularly green thumb, it can be tricky to figure out what’s best for each plant. We’ve rounded up some of the most popular indoor plants and created a general guide. Bear in mind every individual plant is different, and its watering requirements depend on environmental factors, such as room temperature and humidity.
Rubber plant: Weekly watering is usually plenty for rubber plants during the growing season. Allow the potting soil to dry out in between times and leave longer gaps of around 2 weeks during autumn and winter.
Fiddle leaf fig: Water weekly, but ensure the soil has dried out between waterings. If the leaves begin to droop or look floppy, it’s a sign that the plant needs water.
Peace lily: Peace lilies prefer moist soil that isn’t too wet or waterlogged. Once a week is usually fine to prevent too dry soil, but let the top 2-3 inches dry before watering again. If the foliage begins to sag, it’s time for another watering.
Air plant: Air plants are unique because they don’t need soil or a pot to grow. The best way to water them is to soak them in a bowl of tepid water for a few hours every 7-10 days or once a fortnight during autumn and winter.
Spider plant: Spider plants are renowned for being practically unkillable, but they thrive with a regular watering schedule. Water once a week unless the potting soil is still moist from the last watering.
Snake plant: Snake plants are quite undemanding when it comes to watering and live happily being watered every 2 weeks or so. This can be stretched to monthly waterings in the dormant season. Only water this plant when the soil is dry throughout the pot.
The key to watering houseplants is to stick to a watering schedule and keep an eye on whether or not the soil is dry. A rigid watering schedule doesn’t mean every potted plant must be watered on that particular day every single week. Instead, use the schedule to check on your plants, feeling the soil and checking the leaves for signs of dehydration or over-watering.
