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Proper plant watering is crucial for every plant owner. Over-watering or under-watering can harm your plants, making it important to learn the correct watering routine. While some plants can thrive without direct sunlight and others may be almost self-sufficient, all plants require water to flourish.
Each plant has its own needs, as does the environment it grows in. A plant placed in a sunny location will need more water compared to one in a shaded spot. Larger, older plants often need more water than smaller, younger ones. Paying attention to these variables will help you ensure proper watering. To simplify, here are some tips that expert gardeners follow when tending to both indoor and outdoor plants.
Keep an Eye on the Weather
The water requirements of your plants change with the seasons. In the winter, plants usually need less water because the days are shorter and they're in a dormant state. During mild weather (especially in spring), water your potted plants approximately once a week.
As temperatures rise in late spring and summer, plants will require more water. The increased heat causes moisture to evaporate faster, leaving plants with less water to absorb. You might need to water your plants a few times a week or even daily.
Adjust Your Watering Amounts
The size of your plants plays a key role in determining their water needs. Larger plants require more water, while smaller plants need less. Be sure to tailor the water amount to the specific size of your plants.
Also, large pots holding smaller plants tend to retain more moisture, so be sure to adjust the amount of water accordingly. Smaller pots or hanging plants may require watering twice a day, while larger pots typically only need watering once a day.
Water in the Morning or Evening
For optimal plant health, it's recommended to water your plants either in the morning or evening, whether you're watering them daily, weekly, or even twice a day. This is particularly important for outdoor plants to minimize water loss due to evaporation.
Since the soil is cooler in the morning, watering at this time allows the water to be absorbed by the roots before the heat of the day. The same advantage applies to watering in the late evening.
Prevent Over-Watering
While plants love water, overwatering your plant can do more harm than good. Water your pots until it begins to drain from the holes at the bottom. (For pots without drainage holes, ensure there's a way to prevent root rot, like adding rocks or another moisture-absorbing layer at the bottom.) This ensures the soil and roots receive moisture throughout the pot.
To avoid over-saturation, add just enough water so that it drains out the bottom. If the top layer of soil is still moist when you return, there’s no need to water again just yet.
Direct Water to the Soil, Not the Plant
Although we often say, "water the plants," the key is to focus on watering the base of the plant—meaning the soil—not the plant itself. Pour the water onto the soil, not the leaves or flowers. This ensures the water reaches the roots where it's most needed. Watering the plant directly can cause fungal issues and even burn the leaves.
Use Room Temperature Water for Houseplants
Extremely cold or hot water can harm plant roots. Water that's too hot or too cold will "shock" the plant, causing it to droop or even die. The ideal temperature for watering plants is around 68°F, but anywhere between 59°F to 77°F is safe. While outdoor plants are less sensitive, if you’re using a hose on a hot day, let the water run briefly to cool it down before applying it to your plants.
Keep Pots Dry
Although it might seem odd, keeping the bottom of a pot dry is essential for your plant's health. If the pots are left in water or watered too frequently, it can lead to root rot or even death. If you're using saucers to catch excess water and dirt, be sure to empty them after watering or rain to prevent the soil and roots from becoming oversaturated.
Address Wilting Plants Right Away
Monitor your plants closely for any signs of wilting or drooping. If you notice this, it might be time to water, but check the soil first. Wilting doesn't always mean the plant is thirsty—it could indicate overwatering, poor lighting, temperature problems, or that your plant has outgrown its pot.
Opt for Deep Watering
When you have the choice between shallow and frequent watering or deep and infrequent watering, always go with the latter. It's important for the water to penetrate the soil and reach the roots, as plant roots don’t sit near the surface. Deep watering ensures the moisture reaches the roots where it’s needed most.
Deep watering also "trains" plants to develop deeper roots, which is beneficial for their health. Plants with roots closer to the surface are more vulnerable to dry conditions, while plants with deeper roots are better equipped to survive droughts. For young plants or trees, deep watering helps them establish strong roots and settle in.
The line between overwatering and deep watering is subtle. Overwatering happens when the soil remains constantly soaked, which results from watering too often. Plant roots need a balance of moisture and oxygen to stay healthy, and overwatering deprives them of the oxygen they need.
To prevent overwatering, let the soil dry out a little between waterings (but don’t let it dry out completely!). If you notice water standing around your plants without draining or soaking in, you’re likely overwatering and should scale back. Signs of overwatering include yellowing or browning leaves and slimy, gray roots (indicating root rot).
Keep in Mind Younger Plants Need Extra Water
Plants that have been in your garden or home for less than a year need more water than more mature plants. Be sure to water them more frequently, but don’t go overboard. This is also true for seedlings, which require even more water—up to twice a day.
