Watering your plants correctly is very important for their health and growth. Special attention must be paid to watering: too little water can weaken them, while too much water can cause the roots to rot.
Here are 7 best practice tips for watering your plants:
- Understanding the specific needs of each plant
Each plant has different water requirements. Find out about your plants' needs in terms of frequency and amount of water. Some plants prefer moist soil (ferns, Calathea, Alocasia, etc.) while others thrive in drier soil (aloe, pothos, cacti, etc.).
- Choose the right type of potting soil
Depending on your plant's water needs, the choice of potting mix is very important. Cacti and succulents prefer sandy soil that dries quickly in one or two days. Araceae (monstera, philodendron, anthurium, etc.) prefer well-draining soil that retains moderate moisture. Finally, other plants like alocasias thrive in compact soil that retains a lot of moisture.
- Monitor the condition of the soil
Before watering, always check the soil moisture by inserting a finger about an inch deep. If the soil is dry at that depth and your finger comes out clean, it's time to water most plants. You can also weigh your pot; if it's very light, it's often time to water!
- Water thoroughly
When watering, be sure to wet the top layer of soil as well as the roots. This encourages the roots to grow deeper, making them more drought-resistant. You can water either from above or from below by pouring the water into the saucer. In either case, ensure the soil has had time to absorb all the water the plant needs.
- Avoid stagnant water
Make sure your pots have drainage holes. This will allow excess water to drain away and prevent water from stagnating around the roots. Once thoroughly watered, you can remove any excess water from the saucer or cachepot.
- Avoid overwatering; it's better to have soil that's too dry than too wet.
Don't fall into the trap of overwatering. Constantly soggy soil will cause mold problems and root rot. A plant with rotten roots will see its leaves yellow and its stems become limp as if it were starved of water. In fact, your plant will lack water, not because there isn't any in the soil, but because it no longer has healthy roots to absorb it! So, if you see that your plant seems thirsty but its soil is very wet, don't water it any more! If you see that your roots are rotten (they are black and slimy), repotting will be your best solution to save it. Remember to cut off the rotten roots before repotting!
Even if it's not ideal, a dry plant that you forgot to water can easily be revived with a good watering; too much water is more difficult, especially if the roots have rotted.
- Adjust your watering schedule according to the seasons
Plants generally need less water in winter when the days get shorter and they go dormant. Conversely, they need more watering in summer when it's hot and they're actively growing.
By following these tips, you can water your plants effectively and promote their health and growth. Regularly observing your plants will also help you know when they need water and care. Finally, everyone makes mistakes, so don't put too much pressure on yourself and trust your instincts.
