6 tips for watering houseplants the right way

*UPDATE*
We cover watering in even more detail in our new article:
Why do I keep overwatering my houseplants? The secrets of watering revealed



Just as we get thirsty in this tropical heat, so do plants. So do not forget about them. We have put together our 6 tips on how to water properly so that your plants stay happy. There is nothing complicated about it.

  1. Water left to stand

Use water that has been left to stand. That means preparing the water at least a day in advance and letting it stand, so that the chlorine, which houseplants are not too fond of, evaporates. Room-temperature water is ideal for plants. Do not water them with ice-cold water, as it would give them a temperature shock. You can also use rainwater.

  1. When to water

Do not set a fixed day of the week for watering all your plants. If a plant stands in a darker corner, you will water it less often than the ones in a bright spot.

  1. Checking the potting mix

Before watering, always check the potting mix with your finger. If your finger stays dry, it is time to water. If you feel moist potting mix, wait a few more days and then check again. Every plant gets thirsty differently, so you cannot water them all the same way.

The photo shows Monstera Adansonii.

  1. Potting mix that is too dry

Be careful: if the potting mix is too dry, the water could quickly run off into the saucer without soaking into the potting mix, so it would never reach the roots. That is why you should water slowly and evenly; the water has to reach every part of the planter.

  1. Nutrients for your plant

Do not forget to mix liquid fertilizer into the water every few weeks. In our store, you will find both all-purpose fertilizer and Lignohumate to stimulate rooting.

  1. Bottom watering

Is the potting mix in your planter packed too tightly? Water your plants from the bottom. Set the planter in water for a while: you will avoid getting soil everywhere, and the water will soak in from the bottom. Then use your finger to make sure the water has reached the top layer of the potting mix. Never leave the planter standing in water for long.

 

The photo shows Syngonium Pink.

For some plants, such as string of pearls, it is better to water into the saucer, because the roots soak up the water. That way, there is no reason to wet the top layer of the potting mix and risk rot.

 

Be careful with terracotta planters. You will water them more often, because they absorb more water than plastic planters. 

For most plants, it is better to water only once the potting mix has dried out a bit. If you water your plants before the potting mix has had a chance to dry out, you risk root rot. Overwatering often shows up as drooping leaves with yellow/brown spots.

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