How to water indoor plants properly?
Knowing when and how to water potted plants is one of the most impactful and easy ways to ensure your plants thrive in your home.
Read the tips below to learn how to water your houseplants the right way.
Tip 1: The plant's pot matters.
Most plants you buy from other retailers come in grower's pots. These pots are intended as temporary containers for your plants, not a permanent solution. Plants kept in long-term grower's pots are almost always root-bound, which inhibits their growth, makes them difficult to water properly, and makes them more susceptible to disease.
To keep your plants healthy, they need pots that are the right size for their plants. The pots also need drainage holes to help the soil dry after watering and should be placed in a saucer to allow for thorough watering without damaging your floor or tabletop.Tip 2: Different plants have different water needs.
Just like people, different plants like different humidity conditions. Succulents, for example, like to be kept on the dry side and are highly susceptible to rot if overwatered. Potted tropical plants like ferns and calatheas need to be kept consistently moist, and other plants like to dry out a bit between waterings.
Understanding your plant's unique needs and preferences is key before you start watering them.
Tip 3: Water the soil, not the leaves.
It's important to avoid splashing the leaves when watering your plant. Make sure the spout of your watering can is below the leaves and directed only at the soil. This easy method helps prevent bacterial infections, insect infestations, and other health problems.
Tip 4: Water thoroughly and evenly.
The plant's root system reflects its foliage. If you water only one side, the roots and leaves will grow toward the available water. To keep your plant full and lush, water evenly all the way around the pot. Water well until water trickles from the bottom of the pot into the saucer.
Tip 5: Discard any excess water.
Just as people don't like their feet sitting in wet shoes or socks, plants don't like their roots to stay wet. When a plant's roots sit in saturated soil for too long, they will eventually rot.
After watering thoroughly, wait a few minutes to allow the water to drain into the saucer, then discard any excess water to avoid soggy soil and "wet feet."
Changing the way you water your plants brings you one step closer to being a great plant parent and developing your green thumb!
Es confuso, también tenía entendido lo mismo que Marta, de hecho.
Que interesante! A mí una vez me dijeron que era bueno dejar agua en el plato de la maceta así las raíces absorbían lo que querían. Buena información. Gracias
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