How often should I water my plants?
Learn how often to water your houseplants and what to look out for before watering your plant, along with individual guidelines for specific types of houseplants such as succulents, philodendrons and banana trees. Keep your plants healthy and thriving all year round!
Whether you've taken care of plants for years or just started with your first houseplant, it's important to know how to water your houseplant to keep it healthy and thriving. But when it comes to watering, it can be difficult to know exactly how often your plants need a drink! In this short guide, we'll look at the basics of how much and how often you should be watering your plants.
All plants are different and have slightly different needs, so let's first go over some general guidelines that apply to all types of plants. As a rule of thumb, most plants like their soil moist but not wet, so you should only water when the top inch or two of the soil is dry.
It differs on how long it takes for the top of the soil to dry out, but on average this could be anywhere from once a week to every other day. It's important not to overwater because too much water can lead to root rot: a tough problem that can kill even the hardiest of plants!
How do you find out if the soil is dry?
A great way to determine if the top of the soil is dry is by touching the soil or by using a soil moisture meter. These moisture meters measure moisture in the soil and will tell you exactly when it's time to water your plant.
You can also lift the pot and feel the weight of the plant. If it's very light, it's very likely the plant needs some water.
How much water should I give my plant?
On average, indoor plants need about 1-2 cups of water at each watering session, though this may vary depending on the size of the pot and plant and the type of the plant. Make sure not to exceed 2 cups - too much water can drown delicate roots and cause plant problems down the line.
If you're unsure of how much water to give your plant, it's a great idea to use a pot with a drainage hole. This way you can water your plant until it starts to drip out of the bottom of the pot. At this point, let your pot drip for 5-10 minutes and you'll have watered your plant the right amount.
How often should I water cacti and succulents?
Now that we've gone over general plant care basics, let's go over some specific types of plants and take a look at their individual watering needs!
Cacti are among the hardiest of houseplants since they're native to extremely dry climates, so they don't require frequent watering: usually once every two or three weeks during summer months is enough.
Other desert-dwellers like aloe vera and succulents also don't need a lot of water. These plants store a lot of moisture in their thick leaves, so can go without being watered for weeks.
How often should I water tropical plants?
On the opposite side of the watering spectrum, you've got the tropical plants. These plants tend to be thirsty and thrive in moist soil. This goes for plants like, but not limited to, philodendrons, ferns, and pothos.
During the hotter months of the year, make sure to check the soil frequently and water it if the top is dry. Usually, this takes just a few days. Large plants or plants with large leaves like banana trees need even more hydration-up to three times per week!
Always make sure the top of the soil is dry before you water your plants because this helps you to prevent overwatering your plants and keeps them healthy for a long time.
Thank you for reading this post! I hope it helps you to keep your plants healthy and beautiful! If you're looking for more guides on specific plants, you can always request a plant guide to get a guide for the plant you have trouble with.
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