If you’re wondering why your plants are looking a little sad, the reason may be due to how you’re watering them.
Yep, there’s more to it than just dumping on a gallon of water and moving on - being a dedicated plant parent means watering your plants with a blend of balance, care and consistency. Keep reading to discover how to keep your plants healthy and strong with just the right amount of water, and never unintentionally do your plants dirty again.
The wrong way to water your plants
Overwatering
Overwatering is more common than underwatering, and can lead to a plethora of problems that can damage or even kill your plant.
Too much water in the soil can prevent oxygen from reaching the roots, which creates the perfect environment for fungi and bacteria to grow, causing the roots to rot. And once this happens, the plant can’t absorb nutrients or water properly anymore. Overwatered plants can also wilt just like underwatered ones, because rotting roots can’t take up water properly.
Excess water can also wash away nutrients in the soil before the plant has a chance to absorb them, leading to yellowing leaves and stunted growth. Wet soil also attracts pests like fungus gnats and creates conditions for fungal diseases (like powdery mildew or leaf spot) to thrive.
Underwatering
Underwatering plants can cause problems too. Without water, the plant wilts as it loses turgor pressure (internal water pressure that keeps cells firm), so leaves and stems droop or collapse. Leaves may also turn brown, dry and crunchy, or fall off altogether.
The plant may appear small and fragile, as it can’t grow properly without adequate water and the nutrients water transports through the plant. Not only that, but very dry soil pulls away from the edges of the pot, making it hard for water to soak in when you finally do water it. This means roots might still not get the moisture they need.
Watering just the foliage
This can keep the leaves too wet, which can lead to mould or fungus that can harm the plant. Water droplets can even cause sunburn on the leaves if the plant is left in bright sunlight. Think of the roots as like a human mouth; just watering the leaves is like just splashing water on your skin when you (i.e. the roots) really need a drink of water.
Not adjusting for the seasons
Plants grow more slowly in autumn and winter, so they need less water, but you need to water your plants more in the summer months. You may also need to adjust the plant's temperature or light levels, moving it closer to a window if it needs more light. It’s a good idea to learn what environmental conditions your specific plant needs (as this can vary from plant to plant) and replicate them as best as you can to keep your plant growing in the colder seasons.
The right way to water your plants
Now, here’s what to make a note of to ensure your plants stay happy and healthy. But first, you can check your plant’s moisture levels by pressing your finger about 1-2 inches into the soil. If it’s dry, you need to water it, but if it’s still moist, wait a day or two.
Water deeply, not frequently
Give your plant a good soak, until water drains from the bottom of the pot. This encourages roots to grow deeper, meaning you’ll have a stronger plant. You can also use the bottom watering technique, where you pop your potted plant in a bowl of water and let it drink from the drainage holes. After 10 - 20 minutes, remove it and let the excess drip away. This is ideal for thirsty plants and avoids overwatering the topsoil.
Use room temperature water
Cold water can shock the roots, hindering the plant’s ability to absorb nutrients and can lead to stunted growth, and hot water can disrupt the plant's metabolism and damage the roots. Room temperature water (around 20°C) is perfect as it minimises stress on the roots, ensuring it can receive water and nutrients well.
Water at the right time of day
You may think you need to water your plants during the hottest part of the day, but think again. This can lead to significant water loss through evaporation, so water in the morning or evening when temperatures are lower. But if your plants are dying from dehydration, you need to water them immediately, no matter what time of day it is.
Now you know the correct way to water your plants (and what not to do), we’re sure that your plants will not only survive, but thrive!
Put your new knowledge to the test and brighten up your home with our beautiful house plants. Choose from orchids, monsteras, snake plants and more.
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