Watering Plants Correctly: The Ultimate Guide to Healthy Growth

Watering plants might seem like a simple task, but doing it the right way can make a huge difference in the health and vitality of your plants. Understanding the best watering techniques is essential, and not difficult, as long as you follow some simple potting guidelines.

Why Watering Plants Correctly Matters

Water is the lifeblood of plants. It supports photosynthesis, nutrient transport, and cell structure. However, both overwatering and underwatering can cause serious problems. Overwatering can lead to root rot and fungal diseases, while underwatering stresses the plant, causing wilting and poor growth.

Key reasons to water plants correctly:

• Ensures roots get enough moisture without drowning. Roots that are constantly wet cannot absorb oxygen and become susceptible to bacteria and fungi that grow in stagnant water

• Promotes strong root development

• Helps plants absorb nutrients efficiently

• Saves water and reduces waste

  
  

Watering soil with a watering can

Best Practices for Watering Plants Correctly

Watering plants correctly involves more than just pouring water on the soil. Here are some practical tips to help you get it right:

1. Understand Your Plant’s Water Needs

Different plants have different water requirements. Succulents and cacti need less frequent watering, while tropical plants and vegetables often require more moisture. Research your specific plants to tailor your watering schedule. This is the number 1 reason that we will email you specific care info, tailored to which plant(s) you purchased.

2. Drainage is key

Only plant in vessels that have drainage! If you don't have drainage in a pot that you love, then leave the plant in the nursery pot it came in and do 'drop in' potting.

3. Use the Right Amount of Water

Water deeply but infrequently. This encourages roots to grow deeper into the soil, making plants more drought-resistant. A good rule of thumb is to water until it comes out of the drainage holes. Overwatering does not mean too much quantity, as long as you have drainage. It means watering too frequently and not allowing any of the soil to dry.

4. Avoid Wetting the Leaves unless it is a plant that you know enjoys wet leaves

Watering the leaves can promote fungal diseases. Aim to water the soil directly around the base of the plant.

5. Check Soil Moisture Regularly

Use your finger or a chopstick to check soil dampness before watering. For most (but not all!) tropical houseplants, if the top inch to two inches of soil is dry, it’s time to water. (Snakes, ZZs, succulents and desert cacti are exceptions)

6. Use the Proper Soil Type

Not all soil is appropriate for all types of plants. We will start you out right.

Common Watering Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced gardeners can make mistakes when watering plants. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Watering too often: This can suffocate roots and cause root rot.

• Watering too little: Plants become stressed and vulnerable to pests.

• Using cold water: Cold water can shock roots; use room temperature water instead.

• Ignoring drainage: Poor drainage leads to standing water and root damage.

  
  
  
  

Avoiding these mistakes will help you maintain a healthy watering routine.

Tips for Seasonal Watering Adjustments

Watering needs change with the seasons. Here’s how to adjust your watering routine:

• Spring: Increase watering as plants emerge from dormancy.

• Summer: Water deeply and frequently during hot, dry spells.

• Fall: Gradually reduce watering as plants prepare for dormancy.

• Winter: Water sparingly, especially for indoor plants, as growth slows.

  
  

Adapting your watering habits to the seasons helps plants thrive year-round.

One last caveat!

If you have plants in a nursery pot and then dropped into another outer pot, remove it from the outer pot and water (sink, outdoors etc) and allow to drain before putting it back into the outer cover pot. Remember, we don't want it to continue wicking water up into the soil and we don't want standing water (gnats, bacteria and other issues)

Start applying these tips today and watch your plants flourish like never before!