Indoor plants-or houseplants-have different needs than plants grown outside. Indoor plants depend on you for everything. The process of watering plants includes several factors, including the special needs of the plant, an appropriate watering schedule, and regular soil inspections. You can help the plant by growing it in a well-drained pot that is sized according to the size of the plant. Healthy plants also need the right type of water in the right amount. However, there are ways to help stabilize an already overwatered plant.
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Part 1 of 3: Monitoring Plants
Step 1. Research the specific needs of the plant
Not all types of house plants have the same water needs. So, find out information about the plants you already have or the plants you are about to buy. Don't conclude that all plants need 1 liter of water every 2 days because not all of them need that much water.
Some plants prefer moderately dry soil most of the time. While others should always be damp. Some plants even have to be left until the soil is dry before re-watering
Step 2. Let the plant decide when to water
While it may be easier to water regularly at designated times, it is possible that the plant will not tolerate this watering pattern. So, instead of watering it every 2 days, just feel how often the plant needs water. Check the soil consistently and learn how long it will take for the soil to feel dry, then water according to that schedule.
- House plants also tend to have a dormant period during the winter. So, chances are at this time the plant does not need to be watered too often.
- Early morning is the best time to water. Watering at night can make it easier for plants to get diseased because the water won't have time to dry before the temperature cools down.
Step 3. Perform a finger check
Dip your finger into the soil up to the first knuckle and feel if the soil is still moist enough. If your fingers can't even penetrate the soil, the plant needs watering. If your finger can go about 2.5 cm deep, but feels dry, the plant may need watering. If the top few inches of soil feel moderately moist and some of the soil is sticking to your toes, then the soil still has enough water.
- Again, this is not a standard of saklek for every plant. But usually, if the top of the soil feels dry, it means it's time for the plant to be watered.
- You can buy a moisture meter that is plugged into the soil. This tool will tell you when your plant needs water so you don't have to guess.
Step 4. Pay attention to the leaves
Leaves can be a good indicator of whether the plant is under or over watered. If the leaves appear to hang limply, it often means the plant needs water. If the leaves are brown, dry, or some of them are falling off, it usually means the plant needs additional water.
- These signs indicate that something is wrong. Don't wait for the plant to show any of these signs before finally watering it.
- If the plant is dry, water it slowly. Giving too much water at once will kill it.
- The same sign can sometimes mean the plant is overwatering. So keep an eye out for these signs while checking the ground. If you just watered that day, give the plant time to absorb and use the water before watering again.
Step 5. Know the weight of a well-watered pot
You can check if your plant is getting enough water by lifting it up after watering and seeing how heavy it feels. Lift it periodically, and when the pot doesn't feel as heavy as usual, it's time to water. This method is more like an art than a science, but it can be a great trick to master.
This check is only suitable for plants that are light enough to lift and if you are strong enough to lift them. There's no need to force yourself just to check it this way
Part 2 of 3: Providing Water According to Plant Needs
Step 1. Pay attention to the type of water used
You might think that water from the tap is sufficient, but this is wrong. Urban water contains chlorine and fluoride which are unacceptable to all plants. Soft water may contain too much salt. Tap water may be too alkaline. If you've been using a certain type of water for a while and your plants look unhealthy, it may be time to switch to a different type of water.
- If you can put a container outside to collect rainwater, this would be a good choice because this is what plants naturally get. If you live in a place where the rainwater is acidic, the water isn't good. Melting snow is also a good option if you live in a cold climate with little rainfall.
- Bottled water can be a great option, although it may be too expensive.
- For urban water, you can fill an open container such as a bucket and let it sit for about a day to allow the chemicals to evaporate or settle before being used for watering.
Step 2. Use room temperature water. After flushing, refill the water container and leave it until the next watering time
That way, the water can warm to a standard temperature, instead of the original temperature when it comes out of the faucet or drops from the rain. Most plants tend to prefer warm water to cold.
If there are several plants that need a lot of water, store more than one bucket or embrat. Put it in a place that is easy to refill and ready to use when needed
Step 3. Pour water evenly over the entire soil surface
Water less than the plant needs. If it's not enough, you can add a little more. However, if the plant has been given too much water, it will be difficult to repair it. Pay attention to how much water is used from one watering to the next so you know how much water is right.
Some plants may benefit from sprayed leaves as watering only affects the roots. However, you must know the specific needs of the plant. Some types of leaves will not benefit from spraying, even on some other types of plants, wet leaves can actually be harmful
Step 4. Correct the over-watered soil
If the plant is already overwatering and the soil isn't drying out, you can do a number of things to stabilize it. Tilt the pot carefully and let the water drip for some time. Or place a tissue paper on top of the soil to absorb some of the water.
- If this becomes a major problem, move the plant to a new, better-drained pot.
- Move the pot to a warmer place to allow the soil to dry faster.
- Do not water the plant for some time. Wait for the soil to dry again.
Part 3 of 3: Using the Right Container
Step 1. Use an appropriately sized pot
The size of the pot must be adjusted to the size of the plant so that the water is distributed evenly. Pots that are too small will make the roots tangle together and take up all the available space. Pots that are too large will not be able to retain water and the soil will dry out faster.
- If you check the pot and there are more roots than soil, it's an indication that it's time for the plant to be moved to a larger container. Move the plant to a pot that is one level larger so that it is not too big.
- If the leaves appear disproportionately large as those at the base of the stem, move the plant to a larger pot. If the pot has ever tipped over due to a heavier top, this is a clear indication that you need a new pot.
- Although there are many aspects to caring for house plants, there are no strict or quick rules that can always be applied. Sometimes you should check and assess if a larger pot would be good for the plant.
Step 2. Put the plant in a pot that has drainage holes
Since excess water is one of the things that can kill plants, choose a pot with holes so water can drip out and the soil can dry out. The bottom of the pot should have a hole or some kind of thin notch in the center. Pots with no holes in the bottom can cause water to stagnate and the roots will rot if they are submerged for too long.
- If you have no choice but to have a pot with no holes in it, place a layer of stone in the bottom. The rest of the water will pool there and will not come into direct contact with the soil and roots. The stone layer should be approximately 2.5 cm high. Be careful not to over-water the plants.
- If you get a plastic pot without holes, drill a hole in the bottom.
Step 3. Place a drainage tray under the pot
If the pot has holes, you don't want the water to drip onto the floor. Buy special plastic trays for pots or improvise and use plates or trays. You can also cut a milk jug or 2-liter bottle as a tray if the pot is small enough and you don't really care about how it looks.
Always dry the drainage tray within about half an hour of watering. Do not allow potted plants to pool on it. If the tray isn't drained, it's basically the same as a pot without holes because the plant will still be submerged in a lot of water
Step 4. Move the plant into a new pot if necessary
If the plant has been in the same pot for a long time and has grown bigger, it is better to move it into a bigger pot. If the soil appears to be shrinking from the edge of the pot, the plant needs a smaller container. To check if the plant's roots are overcrowded, gently pull the plant out of the pot and check to see if it has plenty of soil or if it's mostly just roots.
Tips
- Since dust always collects indoors, clean the plant with a damp sponge every now and then. This will help keep the plant healthy.
- Succulents actually prefer small pots over large ones. You may not need to move your succulent to a larger pot even if it is already growing.
