Plants are wonderful companions that brighten our surroundings and home garden with beauty and fragrance. But they also need our care and attention, especially when watering them. Watering plants may seem simple, but it can make a big difference in their health and growth. But how to water plants correctly?
Don’t worry; we’re here to help you with this ultimate guide on how to water plants. Whether you have succulents, ferns, orchids, or roses, we’ll show you how to keep them hydrated and happy.
So, grab your watering can, and let’s get started!🌱💦
Contents
9 Tips to Water Plants Correctly
Watering plants may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s a skill that requires some finesse and know-how. If you want to avoid killing your plants with kindness (or neglect), follow these nine tips for watering plants correctly and make them happy.
1. Water in the Morning
The best time to water your plants is in the morning, preferably before 10 am. This allows the plants to absorb the water and nutrients before the sun gets too hot and evaporates the moisture. Furthermore, watering in the morning also reduces the risk of fungal infections, as the leaves will have time to dry during the day.
It is recommended to avoid watering in the evening or at night. As, this can create a humid environment, which encourages mold and mildew growth.
2. Check the Soil Before Watering
One of the most common mistakes people make when watering plants is not checking the soil first. As you know, different plants have different water requirements. Plus, some may need more or less water than others.
The horticulturist suggests watering your plants when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. To examine this, you can use your finger or a moisture meter to test the soil moisture level. If the soil feels moist or wet, wait until it dries out before watering again.
3. Water Deeply
Another important tip for watering plants is to water them deeply and thoroughly. This means that you should water until you see water coming out of the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot. This ensures that the water reaches the roots and not just the surface of the soil.
It is also noticed that watering deeply encourages the roots to grow deeper and stronger, which makes the plants more resilient and drought-tolerant.
4. Check the Drainage
Speaking of drainage holes, you should always make sure that your pots have adequate drainage for your plants. Without proper drainage, excess water can accumulate in the pot and cause root rot, which is a fatal condition for most plants.
In addition, you should also avoid using pots that are too large or too small for your plants, as this can affect their water intake and growth. So, ideally, you should choose pots that are about one or two inches larger than the root ball of your plant.
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5. Know Your Plant Needs
As mentioned earlier, different plants have different water needs, depending on their type, size, location, season, and stage of growth. For example, succulents and cacti need very little water, while tropical plants and ferns need more frequent watering. Similarly, outdoor plants may need more water than indoor plants, especially during hot and dry weather.
PennState Extention states”The amount of water needed by each plant is dependent on multiple factors: weather and time of year, type of soil, type of plant, stage of growth, and location. Consider investing in a soaker hose to place water at the root area for better absorption and mulching to preserve the water where it is needed and reduce evaporation. If possible, avoid watering at the foliage of the plant which can lead to disease.”
You should also adjust your watering schedule according to the seasons, as most plants require less water in winter than in summer.
6. Dump Out Any Excess Water
After watering your plants, you should always dump out any excess water that collects in the saucer or tray under the pot. This prevents the roots from sitting in soggy soil and becoming susceptible to rotting and diseases.
Plus, you should also avoid using tap water that contains chlorine or fluoride, as these chemicals can harm your plants over time. So, it is recommended to use filtered, distilled, or rainwater for your plants.
7. Keep Pots Dry
Another tip to water your plants correctly is to keep the pots dry and clean. This means that you should avoid splashing water on the leaves, stems, or flowers of your plants. As, this can cause fungal infections or leaf spots.
Furthermore, you should also wipe off any dirt or dust that accumulates on the pots, as this can clog the pores and prevent air circulation. Keeping your pots dry and clean will help your plants breathe better and stay healthy.
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8. Always Water New Plants
Whenever you bring home a new plant or transplant an existing one, you should constantly water it well to help it settle in its new environment. Watering new plants will also help them recover from any stress or damage they may have suffered during transportation or repotting. However, it would help if you did not overwater new plants either, as this can shock their roots and cause them to rot.
9. Water at the Base
The last tip for watering plants correctly is to water them at the base and not from above. This means that you should direct the water stream towards the soil and not over the foliage of your plant. This will prevent water from splashing on the leaves and causing fungal infections or leaf spots. It will also ensure that the water reaches the roots and not just the surface of the soil.
FAQs
How to water air plants?
Air plants are unique plants that absorb moisture and nutrients through their leaves, not their roots. Depending on their type and environment, they need to be watered once every 1 to 2 weeks. You can water them by soaking, misting, or dunking them in filtered or distilled water.
How to remove salt from softened water for plants?
Softened water contains high sodium levels, which can harm plants by causing salt buildup in the soil and leaf burn. To remove salt from softened water for plants, you can use a reverse osmosis system, a distiller, or a rain barrel. These methods will filter out the salt and other impurities from the water.
What not to do when watering plants?
One of the common mistakes to avoid when watering plants are: watering too much or too little. So, check the soil moisture before watering and follow the specific needs of each plant. Overwatering can cause root rot and fungal diseases, while underwatering can cause wilting and dehydration.
Is it better to water plants slow or fast?
It is better to water plants slow than fast. This allows the water to penetrate deeply and evenly into the soil and reach the roots. Watering fast can cause runoff, erosion, and uneven distribution of water and nutrients. Use a gentle stream of water and water until you see drainage from the bottom of the pot.
Conclusion
Confidently, we were able to serve you the appropriate content regarding How to water plants. so, let’s quickly recall it.
Watering plants is an essential part of plant care, which can make or break their health and growth. By following the tips and advice in this guide, you can water your plants correctly and consistently, and avoid common issues such as overwatering or underwatering.
Remember to water your plants in the morning, check the soil before watering, and water deeply and thoroughly. In addition, check the drainage, know your plant needs, dump out any excess water, and follow other related key points as discussed in the blog. By doing so, you will help your plants thrive and enjoy their beauty for a long time.
Happy 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.
