You might think that pests and diseases are the reason houseplants don’t survive, but the truth is that improper watering is usually the source of houseplant demise. Not watering your indoor garden or watering it too much is likely to lead to death or failure to thrive. To keep your houseplants as healthy as possible, follow these tips.
Know your houseplants. When to water will vary according to the plant type. Some plants, like maidenhair fern, must be kept continually moist, while others, like succulents, need to go dry between waterings. Most houseplants require watering when the top 2 to 3 inches of soil has dried out. Thicker leaved houseplants can go longer between watering than thin leaved ones.
Pay attention. Plants that require watering will do what is known as flagging when they require watering. This refers to the point where the leaves lose their sheen and wilt ever so slightly. Watering at that point is ideal. Wait another 12 to 24 hours, however, and the plant will be wilting badly and at that point it could be too late.
Avoid watering schedules. It might seem like a good idea to water your houseplants once a week, but the truth is that watering on a specific day every week can result in overwatering. Water only when the plant needs it.
Check before watering. Even if a plant is wilting, check the soil before watering. Wilting leaves can also mean that a plant has developed root rot. If you add more water to wet soil, you will most likely kill the plant. To check for water readiness, stick your finger into the soil up to the first knuckle. Only water if the soil is dry. It’s also possible to use a moisture meter, which is a pronged metal instrument you stick into the soil and get a reading as to if the plant is ready for water. Picking up a plant is also effective. If the pot is light, it’s time to water.
Ensure drainage. Houseplants require excellent drainage to thrive. See that all containers have drainage holes and that they aren’t blocked. The soil should also be well-draining, containing perlite or pumice.
Consider time of year. Water consumption for houseplants slows down considerably during the winter months, whereas hot summer days will cause your plants to drink more. Keep in mind, however, that the dry air created by heating in the winter can dry houseplants out more quickly—especially hanging containers.
Watering methods. Always use tepid to warm water to irrigate houseplants. Cold water can cause leaf spotting and damage roots. Either water your houseplants from above by running water through the soil until the plant is soaked, or fill a container that is slightly larger than the plant pot with water and then submerge the pot in the container. Wait until the houseplant soil is completely soaked. This latter method is your best approach if you’ve allowed a plant to dry out too much.
Avoid wet roots. Ensure that none of your houseplants sit with wet roots for long. Make sure to empty water from plant saucers once the plant drains to avoid the bottom of the pot sitting in water. A good way to do this is with a turkey baster.
Julie Bawden-Davis is a garden writer and master gardener, who since 1985 has written for publications such as Organic Gardening, Wildflower, Better Homes and Gardens and The Los Angeles Times. She is the author of seven books, including Reader’s Digest Flower Gardening, Fairy Gardening, The Strawberry Story, and Indoor Gardening the Organic Way, and is the founder of HealthyHouseplants.com.
