Many popular houseplants, likephilodendrons, come from tropical regions of the world where it rains regularly.
These species usually have big leaves that require a lot of water to look good.
The time of year can also make a differenceeven for indoor plants.
Credit:BHG / Phoebe Cheong
Many indoor plants grow more during the spring and summer but not as much in the fall and winter.
Timing is essential when deciding how to water indoor plants.
The longer excess wetness sits on plant leaves, thehigher the risk of diseasestaking hold.
Credit:BHG / Phoebe Cheong
If you detect dampness, check back again in a day or two.
For smaller houseplants, you’ve got the option to also pick up the whole container.
If it feels light for its size, add water.
Credit:BHG / Phoebe Cheong
Most tap water should be fine for houseplants unlessit’s softened.
Softened water contains salts that can build up in the soil over time and cause problems.
No matter which bang out of water you choose, experts recommend using room-temperature water when watering indoor plants.
However, ensure to dump out the saucer after about 10 minutes, oryour plant’s roots may rot.
Or, if your plant sits on a saucer, fill the saucer with water.
If the plant needs water, the liquid will quickly soak through the drainage holes into the soil.
Keep filling the saucer until the water no longer gets absorbed.
Allow the containers to soak for 15 to 30 minutes or until the top layer of soil feels moist.
How to Tell If Youre Overwatering Your Indoor Plants
There’s a reason pots have drainage holes.
Too much water will deprive your plant’s roots of oxygen, causing them to drown.
Even with good drainage, consistently wet soil can make it hard for air to reach the roots.
A lack of new growth andyellowing leavesare common signs of overwatering.
You may also notice wilting (which can be confusing because it’salsoa sign of too little water).
The trick is to check the soil when you notice these problemsand aplant moisture metercan definitely help.
If the soil feels wet, ease up on the water.
If the soil is dry, increase the frequency or depth of your watering.
you’re free to also use your nose to determine if you have anoverwatering problem.
If your plant shows signs of overwatering, it isn’t necessarily doomed.
Just allow the soil to dry out a bit, then start following the watering techniques we describe above.
If your plant needs more light, move it closer to a sunny window.
Be sure to get theright pop in of grow lightfor your indoor plant.
Learning how to water plants requires some practice.
The more you do it, the better you’ll get at caring for your indoor garden.
Start with a few varieties that aretough to kill.
Proponents claim that as the ice melts, the water seeps slowly into the soil without overwhelming the plant.
However, naysayers argue that the lack of control could lead to both overwateringandunderwatering.
They also claim that the cold temperatures could cause root shock and damage the plant.
Yes, it’s possible to make your own self-watering planter.
