No more over watering and under watering! Stop guessing and master how to water indoor plants like a pro based on their unique needs. Happy houseplants guaranteed!
Raise your hand if you’ve ever felt the crushing guilt of a wilting houseplant, a casualty of your well-intentioned but rigid watering schedule. We’ve all been there, diligently pouring our devotion (and H2O) on a fixed weekly basis, blissfully unaware that our leafy friends might be begging for something entirely different.
The truth is, plants, like people, are individuals with unique needs. What might be a life-giving drink for your beautiful monstera could be a soggy death knell for your drought-tolerant succulent.
Thus, you might be over watering or under watering your indoor plants without even realize you’re doing it.
So, let’s ditch the one-size-fits-all approach and dive into the dynamic world of understanding your plant’s thirst cues.
In today’s post, I’m going to help you change your approach to watering plants indoors so your houseplants can thrive.
Are you ready to be the plant parent you’ve always wanted to be? Let’s go!
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Why Skipping Schedules Makes Sense
Think about it: in nature, no plant receives a pre-programmed water timer. They rely on subtle signals like soil moisture, sunlight, and temperature to dictate their thirst. Blindly sticking to a schedule ignores these crucial factors, often leading to over watering, the silent killer of houseplants.
The biggest reason indoor plants die is from over watering them. It’s a common mistake that even experienced gardeners make, but is very easy to fix. So don’t sweat it if this has happened to you.
It’s happened to the best of us at some point or another in our gardening lives so now, we learn to become better gardeners from what we are doing wrong. Don’t beat yourself up over it.
Paying Attention to Seasonal Rhythms
Just like us, plants adapt to seasonal changes. During the winter most indoor plants enter a state of dormancy, slowing down their metabolism and usually requiring less water. If you persist with your summer watering routine and you risk drowning their slumbering roots.
In addition, dry heat from the indoor air can also dry the soil out much faster than during the warmer months too. So it’s really important to pay attention to your the soil and your plant’s needs in the home conditions that you have. Make sense?
Listen to Your Plants
Remember, your plants are constantly communicating their needs. Observe their leaves, stems, and soil. Wilting, drooping, or yellowing foliage are cries for help. Don’t ignore these changes and instead, investigate what’s going on. Is it getting too much light? Too much water? Have you fertilized it recently?
Conversely, perky leaves and new growth signal contentment. By paying attention to these subtle cues, you’ll develop a deep understanding of your plant’s individual rhythm that will help you create an indoor garden that thrives.
How We Over Water Plants Indoor
There are a few ways we tend to over water houseplants. Do any of these sound familar? If so, stop doing them and let’s approach watering indoor plants differently.
- We want to schedule ourselves on the same day every week to water plants so we don’t forget. DON’T DO THIS! It’s a surefire way to drown your indoor plants.
- We might also look at the soil surface, think the plant is dry, and needs water. So we water it more. Then, as those plants start to decline, many think it’s thirsty and needs even more water. So then you water again. The problem with that is, the plant might already be over-saturated near the roots and instead of allowing it to dry out, you’re giving it more water which leads to root rot and plant decline.
The problem with both of these methods is that the soil where the roots are may not actually be dry. And if the soil is not really dry, then plant roots sit in a wet soggy mess that promotes pest and disease problems.
So just because the top layer of soil looks dry doesn’t mean it is. And, the plant may not “need” to be watered on the scheduled watering day.
How Does Soil Retain Water and Still Look Dry?
Wet soil is very similar to a sponge. If you soak a sponge and hold it upright, water collects at the bottom while the top dries out.
Soil acts in the same way. So the soil surface may look and feel dry, but may not be dry where the roots are located. Now that we understand how the soil retains moisture near the roots, how can you tell whether it’s dry or not?
How to Determine Whether Houseplants NEED to be Watered: The Art of the Finger Test
While I mentioned having a scheduled watering day could be harmful to plants, it is good to plan one so that watering is on your radar.
So what will you be doing on that scheduled day? You are going to check the soil for dryness instead of blindly watering every week. No more mindless watering because we will be doing it with more intention. Here’s how!
Use your finger, popsicle stick, or even a plastic knife and gently poke the soil about an inch deep. Does it feel wet? Is there soil on it?
If it’s dry, give your plant a drink. But if it is still damp? Hold off and check again tomorrow. This method accounts for factors like pot size, soil type, and plant variety, ensuring the care you give is tailored to that plant’s needs.
Bonus Tip: Invest in a moisture meter like this one for extra guidance, especially for plants with deeper root systems where the finger test might not reach.
I know this sounds like a task but you will get to know your plants and their watering needs after a few weeks and not need to do this as often.
Pro-Tip for New Plants: It’s a good idea to use the cake batter test for the first few weeks of care so you get to know the plant and its watering requirements.
How to Water Indoor Plants the Right Way
It is so important to strike the right balance when watering indoor plants because there are lots of different factors that go into watering plants at the right time.
It’s a good idea to check your plants weekly to see if they NEED to be watered. Keep in mind that just because you are checking, doesn’t mean they actually need to be watered.
The Do’s and Don’ts of Watering Plants Indoors
- Use a watering can: A watering can spout directs water to the base, avoiding splashes and puddles. This helps you focus on watering where plants need it most, their roots.
- Give plants a shower: It’s a good idea to give houseplants a monthly shower to wash off any dust or debris and give them a good soil soaking.
- Water plants in your kitchen sink: You’ll know you gave plants a good soaking when you use a sink faucet. Allow the water to completely drain out before putting it back in it’s home.
- Avoid Softened Water: Sodium from softeners can harm your plants. Use outdoor spigots, filtered water, or purified options instead.
- Check the Soil for Moisture: Dig in before you give plants water. Each plant has its own rhythm, so check them individually.
- Only Water Plants When Necessary: Set reminders to assess your plants, but ditch rigid schedules. Some need more frequent drinks than others, and seasons can shift their thirst. Learn your plants.
- Water Deeply: A good drench is key not a shallow watering. Mimmick rainfall not a superficial drink of water. Thoroughly soak the soil until water drains from the pot’s bottom. This encourages healthy root growth.
- Keep Plants Out of Standing Water: Allowing plants to sit in water is a recipe for disaster. If you overdo it, use a turkey baster to remove excess water.
How to Fix Soggy Soil After Watering Indoor Plants Wrong
If you’ve been unknowingly over watering plants, we can fix the problem and help improve their health.
- Start by cleaning the plant from dust and debris.
- Remove any and all dead growth so the plant doesn’t waste any energy into them.
- Get rid of any mold you see too.
- It’s a good idea to completely repot the plant and give it a fresh start in new potting soil in a clean container.
To clean your container, use 9 parts water to 1 part bleach and clean the container well. If leaves are yellowing, the plant can also be stressed from the following:
- over watering
- poor drainage
- too much light
Once the plant is repotted in a fresh container, keep it in a location where it can rebound and don’t over water it! In fact, if the problem was due to over watering, I’d repot it and leave it alone for a few days before watering it.
I shared more tips for reviving houseplants after they decline in this post. So you’ll want to check out this article for more help with fixing an indoor plant that’s not doing well.
Indoor Plant Leaves Turning Brown and Crispy Tips: Not Always the Sign of Over Watering
Sometimes Brown leaf tips or edges can happen on any indoor plant but are common on certain species like spider plant and dracaena.
Trimming the brown portions off the leaves with a scissors can improve their appearance, but new browning can still occur if the root cause is not addressed. While brown leaf tips can be a sign of over watering, don’t jump to conclusions. Consider the following factors:
- Over watering or under watering: Trim off the brown leaves and be more mindful with watering practices.
- Not enough humidity. Add a humidifier or group plants together to increase humidity.
- Normal aging: If it is the lower leaves on a plant, that is natural aging. Trim that foliage off.
- Too much fertilizer: Over fertilizing can affect roots and cause damage to the foliage by browning out the edges and tips. You may also see buildup on the soil surface. Avoid fertilizing in winter while the plant is dormant and always follow package directions.
- Pest and disease problems: Sometimes plants get brown and crispy from pest and disease problems. Before doing anything, inspect the plant and research common problems for that particular plant. When you google it, add a .edu so you pull up information from an extension website.
- Erratic watering and other care conditions: Evaluate how you’ve been caring for the plant because it could be the result of erratic watering, water you are using, and over fertilizing.
Watering Indoor Plants FAQs
When is the Best Time to Water Indoor Plants?
The best time to water indoor plants is in the morning. So if try to water in the mornings where possible. It’s recommended to water all plants, whether inside or out, in the morning because it allows the plant to absorb the water before the heat of the day causes it to evaporate.
Watering in the morning reduces the risk of fungal growth that can occur when soil and leaves stay wet overnight. And it gives plant foliage time to dry off before evening, which can help reduce the risk of disease.
Can You Water Plants at Night?
While it is generally recommended to water plants in the morning, you can water plants at night if you forget to do it in the morning and they really need it. But I’d avoid doing it if you can.
I do not recommend making watering at night a regular practice. One of the main concerns is that the soil and plant foliage may stay wet for an extended period of time, which can increase the risk of fungal growth and disease.
Additionally, if the plant is not able to absorb the water quickly, it can lead to water pooling around the base of the plant, which can lead to root rot.
Also, watering at night can also attract insects and pests which can be harmful to the plants. If you have to water plants at night, try to do it as early as possible and only on a rare occasion.
Can You Bring a Houseplant Back to Life?
I always say if the plant still has some green foliage and stem, there’s a good chance you can save it. Take a look at the roots and see if the roots are white. You can revive plants using these tips.
How Often Should You Water Plants Indoors?
How often you should water plants indoors can be a tricky one to answer! It’s about finding the right balance because there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, as the frequency depends on a variety of factors that include:
- Plant Type: Different plants have different thirst levels. Cacti and succulents, for example, are drought-tolerant and need infrequent watering, while ferns and peace lilies prefer consistently moist soil.
- Pot Size and Material: Smaller pots dry out faster than larger ones, and clay pots lose moisture more quickly than plastic ones. Learn how different container types and how they affect plants in this post.
- Soil Composition: Well-draining soil allows water to flow through easily, meaning you’ll need to water more often. Conversely, dense soil holds onto moisture, so you’ll need to water less frequently.
- Sunlight and Temperature: Plants in bright, hot environments will dry out faster than those in shady, cooler spots. Additionally, plants grow more during the warm season and typically require more water then.
- Seasonality: As winter approaches, many plants enter dormancy and require significantly less water.
When you are evaluating the specific plant you are growing, look at soil dryness, wilting leaves, and it’s growth rate. During active growth periods, plants typically need to be watered more often. Conversely, slower growth during cooler months means reduced water requirements.
By observing these factors and responding to your plant’s individual needs, you’ll master the art of watering and keep your leafy companions thriving. Remember, it’s always better to underwater than over water, as soggy roots can be fatal.
Should You Water House Plants from Top or Bottom?
It’s always best to water at the base of plants to ensure water is given where plants need it most. When we water from above, those roots don’t receive as much water. And when water is left on plant foliage in cooler conditions, that can lead to pest and disease problems.
However, using a mixture of bottom watering for every day with top watering every now and again will help wash away the build-up of salts and minerals to keep house plants looking lush, healthy and beautiful.
Embrace the Joy of Plant Parenthood
Watering your plants shouldn’t be a chore, but rather a journey of discovery. As you learn to decipher their unique language, you’ll cultivate a deeper connection with your houseplants. So, forget the weekly watering schedule, use your finger, and learn what your plant actually needs!
With a little attention and a lot of love, you can master the art of watering your indoor plants, transforming your home into a vibrant haven of thriving greenery. So, go forth, explore, and let your plants guide you!
More About How to Water Plants Indoor
How do you water your houseplants? Are they on a weekly watering schedule or do you test the soil for dryness before watering? Do you have any indoor plant care tips you’d like to share? I would love to know more in the comments below.
Thanks for stopping by the blog today!
Enjoy your day! xoxo
More Houseplant Care Tips and Tricks
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- How to Style Your Houseplants
- Monstera Plants and Why You Should Grow One
- Propagating Pothos Plant
- 7 Easy Indoor Gardening Ideas for Beginners
- What You Need to Know About Easy Care Houseplants that Purify the Air
- How to Propagate Pothos Plant
- Have a Green Thumb With These Indoor Gardening Ideas
- Christmas Cactus Care
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To show you an example of how what the tester will look like, this Chinese Evergreen could wait another day or so to get watered.
The knife came out somewhat clean but there was some damp soil on it.
I’ll check it again in another day or so to see if it’s drier.
