Do you want to learn how to water your plants from below, rather than from above? Do you want to know the benefits, drawbacks, of the Bottom watering plants method? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you are in the right place!
Welcome to the ultimate guide to bottom watering plants! This blog post covers everything you need to know about this simple and effective method. By the end of it, you will be a pro at bottom watering your plants.
So, let’s get started! 😊
Contents
What Is Bottom Watering Plants?
This method is also known as reverse watering, in which plants receive water from the bottom. In this method, you need to place your plant in a sink that is filled with water and then let your plant’s root and soil absorb the water as per its requirement. Basically, this method is appropriate for sensitive plants, or that grow well in small pots with good drainage and well-draining soil mix. However, it may not be ideal for very large or heavy pots, or for plants that prefer dry soil to survive.
Overall, Bottom watering is an easy and simple method to water your houseplants and keep them healthy. Plus, you can use this method as often as per your plants’ needs.
The Benefits of Bottom Watering Plants
There are many benefits of bottom-watering plants, which we will discuss in the next section. So, keep reading to learn the pros of watering your plants from the bottom.
1. Consistent Watering
The best thing about watering your plants from the bottom is that it allows you to water them correctly, and consistently. As we know, top water can lead to over or under-watering issues, creating spots on the leaves of many sensitive houseplants, and many other issues.
There are fewer chances of encountering such issues in the case of bottom water. Plus, it also provides ample time for your plant roots to absorb the water in sufficient quantity for their flourishing.
2. Reduce Over and Under Watering
One of the benefits of bottom watering plants is that you do not over or underwater them. It is an effective way to prevent you from providing your houseplants with the wrong watering. Before you take your plants for bottom watering, you need to check the soil texture. If it is still moist, then obviously, you will not go for the bottom watering method.
So, it gives you time to observe your plant’s requirements and provide water only if the soil is in the drier form to the appropriate level. In other words, soil health is a signal, which alerts you whether you should water your plants or not.
3. Prevents Splashing
One mistake often observed while watering plants via can is splashing direct water on the leaves, which leads to spotting issues. Many indoor plants are sensitive, so you need to be very careful while watering them.
Watering a plant from the bottom will help you avoid this issue. It will also prevent water from pooling in the middle of the plant, which can lead to rot.
4. Bottom Watering Plants Reduce Mess
One thing is clear: watering your plants from the bottom is very easy and does not require any special skills. Another thing is true: bottom watering plants helps to reduce mess during watering, as there will be no splashing water over the plants or on the floor. By following this method, you will be able to water your plants neatly and mess-free.
Read more: Guide on droopy monstera plant!
Types of Plants You Can Bottom Water
Well, almost all indoor plants are good choices for bottom watering methods, as they are easy to process. Below, we have highlighted a table that includes the types of plants, which respond well to the bottom, watering method.
| Types of Plants | Reason for Bottom Watering |
| African Violets | These plant leaves will not get spots, as no more splashing water method will be continued. |
| Snake Plants | The bottom watering method will prevent water from collecting in the middle of the plant and causing rot issues. |
| Succulents | Avoids wetting the foliage and causing rot. |
| Jade Plant | Helps to prevent mineral deposits from water on the leaves of plants. |
| Pothos | No more spots on the leaves. |
How to Bottom Water Plants?
Ah! So, far we have learned about the bottom watering plants’ benefits, and which types of plants are ideal choices for this process. Now, let’s explore the essential steps, which you need to keep in mind or follow while carrying out the bottom watering your plants’ procedure.
Here, we have jotted down a step-by-step guide to bottom watering plants, which will surely help you to do the method correctly. Let’s explore the steps:
- Firstly, you need to check whether your plants need water and check the soil texture. If you find the soil is drier, then only use the bottom watering method. It is not advisable to always follow a watering schedule. Sometimes, according to weather and temperature, it is possible that the soil is wet and does not need water at that time.
- Once you have decided to use the bottom watering method, you need to fill the sink or tub with filtered water and make sure that the water level is enough to cover the bottom inch of your plant pot.
- Keep one thing in mind: If you have a plastic container, don’t just fill the sink; otherwise, your plastic pots may get disbalanced and float. So, accordingly, fill the sink and do the procedure.
- Now, let the pot soak up the water until you can feel the soil in a moist texture form. You can check the soil texture by inserting the finger. It is advisable to soak the pots as per their size, small pots hardly take 15 minutes to soak up the water.
- Once you are satisfied with the soaking method, remove the pot from the sink or tub. Allow it to drain, then put it back in the saucer plate.
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FAQs
Is watering plants from the bottom better?
It is a better method to water your plants correctly because it will not lead to overwater issues. But, it’s also true that this method is a time-consuming procedure, and the timing ratio varies according to your plant size, soil texture, etc…
Which plants like bottom watering?
Well, plants like Epiphytes, Succulents, Snake plants, Calathea, Aloe, more mature Maranta, Sedums, Kalanchoe, Begonias, African violets, and Pothos are favorable options for bottom watering. This is because these plants have shallow roots, and you can keep them in shallow containers for the bottom watering method, it will easily reach their roots and improve the soil texture.
How long to leave plants in water when bottom watering?
Generally, it is advisable to let plants bottom water for about 10–15 minutes. But the timing ratio will vary according to your plant pot size, and soil texture. The larger the pot and the drier the soil can stay, more in water than others. About an hour is favorable for larger pots and drier soil conditions plants.
Can you over water by bottom watering?
Well, the bottom watering method is all about that it lets the plant take an amount of water they want, or soil, or roots need to survive. In other words, it is a plant-led watering concept, so there are fewer chances of overwatering your plant. Plus, if you have sensitive leaves plants, then it is a positive point only for them as you will not pour water over them.
Conclusion
Bottom watering plants is a great way to water from below and avoid many common problems with watering from above. It works well for most plants in pots, especially those with sensitive leaves or stems that can rot easily. However, you should be careful not to overdo it or use it for plants that like dry soil.
By following the tips and tricks in this guide, you can master bottom watering.
Hi, I’m Jacqueline, the editor-in-chief of cozynest. I have a passion for plants and gardening, also, have a degree in horticulture from the University of California, Davis. I love to share my knowledge and experience with our readers and help them create beautiful and healthy gardens, indoors, and outdoors. I also enjoy experimenting with different plant varieties, designs, and techniques, and learning from other experts in the field. When I’m not working on cozynest, you can find me in my own cozy nest, surrounded by my favorite plants and books.
