Watering is a crucial aspect of keeping your houseplants healthy. Every plant has specific needs, but how do you know if you're doing it right? In this article, we'll broaden your understanding of houseplant watering and give you practical tips to avoid common mistakes.
Understanding the water needs of houseplants
Not all houseplants have the same watering requirements, as they originate from different climates and natural environments. Some plants thrive in humid regions and therefore need a lot of water, while others are adapted to dry climates and need less water.
- Succulents and cacti, native to desert regions, can survive with little water. They have developed ways of storing water in their leaves, stems or roots, enabling them to withstand drought. If you over-water these plants, their roots may rot, leading to plant death. The soil of these plants must be completely dry before the next watering.
- On the other hand, plants like ferns, native to tropical regions where humidity is high, need constantly moist, but not soggy, soil to survive. They can wilt or turn brown if the soil dries out completely.
- There are also plants that fall somewhere between these two extremes. Philodendron, for example, prefers soil that remains slightly moist, but cannot tolerate waterlogging. Drying out the soil between waterings can also cause stress to the plant.
In addition, it's important to understand that the water requirements of houseplants can change according to environmental conditions.
- During the winter months, the air is generally drier and sunlight less intense. Plants therefore need less water.
- Conversely, during the summer months, when sunlight is more intense and the air can be more humid, plants may need more water.
You also need to take into account the type of pot and soil you're using. Clay pots, for example, allow water to evaporate more quickly than plastic pots. Similarly, some types of soil drain water more quickly than others. All these factors can affect the amount and frequency of watering required for your plant.
Finally, bear in mind that symptoms of over-watering and under-watering can be similar, including leaf yellowing and wilting. So it's important to understand your plant's specific water requirements so you can correctly diagnose and solve watering problems.
Watering techniques for indoor plants
Watering is an essential part of houseplant care, but not all plants appreciate the same method. Some prefer to be watered directly on the ground, while others benefit from a gentle shower or regular misting. Let's take a look at the different watering techniques.
Surface watering
This is the most common technique. It involves pouring water directly onto the soil around the plant. This is ideal for most plants, but make sure the water is evenly distributed over the entire soil surface. Plants like philodendron and pothos appreciate this method of watering. Tip: Pour water slowly to avoid soil erosion.
Watering in the saucer
Watering in the saucer, or from underneath, involves pouring the water into the saucer under the plant's pot. This is an excellent method for plants that don't like wet leaves, such as cape violets. Practical tip: leave the water in the saucer for 10 to 20 minutes, then remove excess water to prevent root rot.
Watering by soaking or drenching
Watering by soaking, or bassinage, involves immersing the plant's pot in water until the soil is completely saturated. This method is effective for plants that prefer constantly moist soil, such as ferns. Tip: Leave the pot to soak for about 10 minutes, then let it drain before replacing it.
Mist to increase humidity
Fogging is an excellent way of increasing humidity around your plants, which can be particularly beneficial for tropical plants like Monstera deliciosa. Practical tip: Mist your plants in the morning to allow water to evaporate during the day, reducing the risk of fungal disease.
Shower your plants to clean them
Showering a plant is not just for watering, but also for cleaning it of dust. This technique is beneficial for large houseplants that can't be moved easily, such as Ficus lyrata. Practical tip: Showering your plant once a month can help keep its leaves clean and healthy.
Place your plants on a bed of clay balls
Placing your plant on a bed of moist clay balls will increase the humidity around your plant. This method is particularly beneficial for moisture-loving plants such as orchids. Practical tip: make sure the bottom of the plant pot doesn't touch the water directly, to prevent root rot.
Common watering mistakes and how to avoid them
Watering houseplants may seem simple in theory, but in practice there are many common mistakes that can damage the health of your plants. Let's take a look at some of these mistakes and how to avoid them.
Water at set times throughout the year
A common mistake is to water plants on a fixed schedule, such as every Monday. Plants have different watering needs depending on the season, temperature and humidity. It's best to water according to soil conditions rather than the day of the week. Water when the soil is dry to the touch, to a depth of about 2 cm for most houseplants.
As for the time of day, it's generally best to water in the morning. This allows water to evaporate from the leaf surface during the day, which can help prevent the spread of fungal diseases.
Water at the same frequency in summer and winter
Another common mistake is to water plants at the same frequency throughout the year. Plants generally need less water in the winter months and more in the summer months. Monitor the condition of your plant and adjust the watering frequency accordingly.
Use water that is too cold or too high in minerals
Tap water often contains minerals that can accumulate in the soil and adversely affect plant health. If possible, use filtered water, rainwater or distilled water for watering. What's more, it's generally preferable to water with room-temperature water rather than cold water, which can shock plant roots.
Ignoring the needs of each plant
Every plant has specific watering requirements. Before you buy a new plant, find out about its water requirements and make sure you can meet them. Water requirements can vary depending on the plant variety, its geographical origin, and even its specific growing conditions. Read the labels supplied with your plants, and don't hesitate to ask a professional for advice if you're not sure.
Signs of under- and over-watering
Knowing how to recognize the signs of under- and over-watering can help you quickly rectify your watering routine. In general, if your plant is under-watered, its leaves may begin to wilt or turn brown. Conversely, an over-watered plant may show yellowed leaves and a rotted root system.
Watering aids
There are a number of tools and technologies that can help make watering your houseplants easier. These aids can be particularly useful if you're away a lot, or if you have a large collection of plants to look after. Let's take a look at some of these options.
Ceramic water diffusers
Ceramic water diffusers are a simple, effective solution for long-term watering of your indoor plants. These devices generally consist of a porous ceramic rod attached to a water reservoir. You simply plant the rod in the ground and fill the reservoir with water. Water slowly seeps from the reservoir into the soil through the ceramic rod, providing constant moisture for your plant. Practical tip: these diffusers are particularly useful for plants that like their soil constantly moist, such as ferns.
Water Reservoir Pots
Water reservoir pots are another practical tool for watering houseplants. These pots have a built-in water reservoir that delivers water to the plant by capillary action. They can be particularly useful for plants that don't like too much water on their roots, such as succulents, as they allow water to drain away from the roots and be absorbed slowly. Practical tip: Take care not to overfill the reservoir, as constant water saturation can lead to root rot.
Intelligent irrigation technologies
For those who love technology, there are several smart watering options. These range from simple watering timers that attach to your faucet and water your plants at preset times, to more advanced watering systems that use sensors to determine when your plants need water. Some of these systems can even be controlled remotely using an app on your smartphone.
In conclusion
Watering houseplants is not an exact science and may require a little experimentation and careful observation. Every plant has its own water requirements, and understanding and respecting these is crucial to keeping your plants healthy and thriving.
Whether you water from the surface, from below, by soaking, misting or using a more advanced method such as smart watering technologies, the key is to do so in a thoughtful and informed way. Be sure to avoid common watering mistakes, such as watering at set times, using unsuitable water or failing to take into account the specific needs of your plants.
There's nothing more satisfying than seeing your houseplants thrive thanks to your attentive care. Feel free to share your experience and watering tips in the comments below. Happy gardening!
