How to Watering Your Houseplants Properly

Houseplants - Many people don’t know how to water their houseplants properly. Most people think they should just water when the leaves are changing color or if there is snow on the ground. 

To water successfully your houseplant, you must know how much water to give them. Watering needs to be done consistently throughout the week so the roots can absorb water and stay healthy. Too much water can cause the leaves to rot and the stems to curl up; not enough and they will suffocate.

 Watering during cool spells is actually better for most houseplants than during warm spells because the cool temperatures prevent them from getting too hot. But if you live in a hot area, you should still water your plants during cool spells because it can prevent them from wilting.

When to Water Houseplants

Watering every week or two is often sufficient for most plants, provided they are still growing. There are several methods for determining when your plants truly need water. First, if you rub your thumb on the surface of the compost, you can tell if the plant needs water. 

Using this method, you only want to water when the compost feels dry and has no sponginess left. 

If your plants have been damaged or weakened by frost, some water every few days may be needed to keep them from freezing even further.

Basic Ways to Water Houseplants

The most frequently used method of watering houseplants is to run water from watering can directly into the compost. This method known as “over the rim” and the goal is to fill the space between the top of the compost and the edge of the pot.

Another alternative to watering is to place the pot in a container of water and let the plants "drink" when they need it. When you remove the pot from the container of water, it drains all the excess water.

Fixing an Overwatered Houseplant

If your plants are not growing properly, the solution could be in your gardens. Over watering can cause the roots to rot and the plant to wilt. Over-watering is a mistake most people make once or twice and then think nothing of it because it is so common. 

However, if you continue to over water your plants, there will be fewer leaves on the plant and this will cause it to become dehydrated which will cause it to die back eventually even if you haven't tended to the plant for a few days.

There are many ways to fix over-watered plants, but the most reliable and effective method involves depriving the plant of water for several days prior to adding the new materials. The best way to do this is to place several double-packed plastic bags over the top of the pile and lay flat on your back with one leg over the other, holding the bags loosely in place with one hand. Keep watering regularly until the excess water runs out.

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