Watering your houseplants is an essential part of maintaining their health and extending their life. However, it can be difficult to know how much they need and when they need it.
There are many factors that contribute to the health of a plant. These include the type of soil, temperature and watering schedule.
Check the Soil
Indoor plants need a potting mix that provides adequate moisture, aeration and nutrients. It also needs to be able to drain properly and provide plenty of space for their roots.
Different soil blends and potting mixes will deliver the right conditions for different types of houseplants. Knowing your plants’ individual needs and preferences is key before you start watering.
Check the soil for dryness regularly with your finger or a moisture meter. If you feel damp beneath the surface of the potting mix, this is an indication that your plant needs watering.
Another simple, easy-to-use way to determine if your plant needs water is to use a stick. Push your finger 1-2 inches down into the soil, about knuckle deep, and notice if it sticks to the dirt.
Check the Temperature
All plants need a specific temperature range to grow healthy. Some can handle temperatures as low as 40deg F, while most prefer a daytime temperature range of 65 to 75 deg F and a nighttime temperature of 55 to 65 deg F.
Watering house plants with cold or hot water can shock their roots and cause a variety of problems for them. This is particularly true for cacti and succulents.
Temperature fluctuations can kill houseplants just as quickly as long exposure to cold or heat, so it’s important to know their ideal daytime and nighttime temperatures before bringing them inside.
A good way to check the temperature is to insert a finger into the soil. If it feels dry to an inch or two below the surface, then you know that the plant needs watering.
Check the Leaves
Many house plants will droop their leaves when they are thirsty. This is a sign that they need water and will perk up once you give them a drink.
Plants also give off other signals if they are too dry or too wet. They will tell you in many different ways, from yellowing leaves to fungus gnats flitting around their roots.
If you notice these signs, don’t forget to check the soil and watering holes regularly. This will help you catch problems early and prevent them from becoming more serious.
Check the Water
The water you use for your plants can make a huge difference. Rainwater is usually best, but well water and distilled water are also fine for most houseplants.
The best way to ensure your plant gets the right amount of water is to check it yourself. Gently stick your finger up to the knuckle or so into the soil, and feel when it feels dry.
You can even buy a moisture gauge to make sure you give your plants the correct amount of water.
Overwatering is one of the most common mistakes people make, and it can quickly lead to root rot.
Wilting, browning edges, and yellowing leaves are all signs of overwatering.
It can be hard to tell the difference between these symptoms, but if you notice that your plant has all of these warning signs, it may mean that it’s underwatering or overwatering. To be safe, just try to remember that frequent underwatering will always have similar signs as overwatering.