Indoor Plant Watering Techniques

Having houseplants is a great way to decorate, add the element of nature to your space, and for an enjoyable hobby. However, many people end up discouraged from having these within their home if they have the experience of a houseplant dying.

This frequently occurs for several reasons, one of them being that they are not watered properly. Whether they’re not watered frequently enough or they’re watered too much, getting the exact science of hydrating your indoor plants correctly can be tricky. Luckily, there are a range of techniques that can be utilized to make caring for these flowers, greenery, and herbs a breeze.

Quick Tips for Watering Success

Before delving into full-on watering techniques, here are some quick-hit tips to make hydrating houseplants simpler and more successful.

Use a Calendar

It’s important to be consistent with your watering schedule rather than sporadic. A failure to keep track of what days plants should be watered on will likely result in either over-watering or incredibly thirsty plants. Utilize a calendar to mark what days plants should be watered and cross the task off once it’s done.

Use the Right Tools

A long-necked watering can is preferable for plants that dwell within the walls of your home. The generous neck of the watering can makes it easier to water precisely, aiming at the soil rather than the leaves. Leaves that receive too much moisture could result in fungal issues, affecting the overall health of plants.

Use Quality Water

Use high quality water for your plants to give them the best shot at optimal health. Water that is considered healthiest is rainwater that has been left out for a few days, bottled water, or reverse osmosis water.

Fill Pots Correctly

Pots that are filled chock-full of soil don’t have much room for water, making it more difficult to water them enough when you do provide them with hydration. Ensure that pots have enough room between the soil and top of the container to allow water to sit and soak.

Indoor Plant Watering Techniques

Now let’s learn about more in-depth techniques that ensure long and bountiful lives for your plants.

Water From Below

The most recommended way to water houseplants is from below. That may seem counterintuitive when watering from the top is the most commonly referenced way of providing greenery with the hydration it needs to thrive. However, there are a few compelling reasons for watering from the bottom of a plant. First, it is a method that results less often in overwatering. Second, it’s a more reliable way of ensuring that nutrients are not drained out of the plant. Third, it makes it easier to assure that the water gets to the roots, where you want it to be the most.

There are a couple methods of watering from below that work well. The first option is to use a saucer underneath the pot of a plant and fill it with fresh, high quality H2O on watering days, allowing the plant to soak for at least a few hours. After those hours are over, simply empty the saucer and the remaining water will drip out onto the saucer.

Another method of watering from below is to soak plants on watering days. This can be done in a large container or even in the sink or tub. Fill whatever container you’re using with a few centimeters of water and place pots in the water and let them absorb the hydration for a few hours. This is an easy and convenient method as it allows you to water several plants at once.

Provide Drinks Rather Than Sips

In general, all plants do better when they receive a good, long watering less frequently instead of more frequent, shorter drinks. The same is true for indoor plants. If you choose to water from the top of a plant, water close to the soil to ensure that the hydration makes it to the roots. Continue to allow water to flow into the soil until some comes out of the bottom of the pot. Get rid of that excess water promptly, either pouring it out or mopping it up with a rag or sponge. Then allow soil to become almost completely dry before watering again.

Timing is Everything

Watering houseplants in the morning is much more effective and healthy for plants than watering them later in the day or during the evening. This is because water that gets on the foliage of the plant has more time to evaporate throughout the day when plants are watered in the morning, whereas plants watered later that have excess moisture on the foliage may end up with fungal problems.

Houseplants certainly give your home more character and warmth, and thanks to these watering tips and techniques, yours are sure to live long and healthy lives within the walls of your house.