How Much Should I Water My Plants?

There are many factors that can affect how much you should be watering your plants. For instance, the size of your plant, where it is placed, how much sunlight it gets, the time of year, if it’s near a radiator. Some plants are just naturally more thirsty than others and some need next to no water at all.

 

However, don’t let this put you off – you can perform a very simple test.

How to test if your plant needs water

The simplest trick is to stick a finger into the topsoil and if it feels moist up to the second knuckle of your finger (roughly one inch) then it does not require watering. Additionally, by ensuring there are holes in your nursery pot or a stone/gravel layer between your main pot bottom and soil. This will allow the water within your soil to drain through and prevent the soil becoming saturated which leads to an anaerobic environment developing.

However, we have soil & light combitesters, which you insert into the soil and you can detect how moist the soil already is.

How much water is too much?

One of the most common reasons people end up killing their plants is through over-watering. It can be really tempting to keep topping your plant up with water but roots need oxygen to breathe just as we do. Over-watering them means they can no longer breathe which causes an anaerobic process leading to root rot and means the plant can no longer absorb the nutrients needed to grow.

Excess watering can also lead to the growth of moulds, fungus & powdery mildew in or on the soil. If you think your plant may be suffering from a pest or infection, be sure to take a look at our pests & infections page!

What to do in an emergency situation

If you’re pretty sure you’ve drowned the life out of your plant you may be able to save it. The first less invasive measure is to stick a tampon into the soil to help absorb any excess water. However, if you require more drastic action, you can take the entire plant out of its soil and re-pot it into fresh dry soil (not completely dry) and check the roots for any signs of rotting.

Why Do I Need to Water My Plants?

Watering Plants is a vital part of any plant care routine. Without water, our plants would soon wilt and die. But why is this the case? Well, plants need water for several vital reasons. Water is essential for photosynthesis, the process by which plants convert sunlight into energy. During photosynthesis, water molecules are split into oxygen and hydrogen, with the hydrogen used to create glucose, a source of energy for the plant.

Additionally, water is crucial for transporting nutrients and minerals from the soil to different parts of the plant. It dissolves these nutrients, allowing them to move through the plant’s vascular system.

Water also maintains the plant’s structure by providing turgor pressure, the pressure of the cell contents against the cell wall. This pressure keeps the plant upright and firm. Without enough water, plants wilt and can no longer support themselves properly. Moreover, water is involved in regulating the plant’s internal temperature through a process called transpiration, where water evaporates from the surface of leaves, cooling the plant and facilitating nutrient uptake.

Lastly, water is necessary for the biochemical reactions that occur within plant cells. These reactions sustain the plant’s growth, development, and overall metabolism.

How to Water Your Indoor Plant

Watering your new houseplant is a super simple process. All you need is a plant, a watering can, and a towel on hand (if there’s a spillage).

Start by checking the soil moisture. You can do this by inserting your finger about an inch into the soil; if it feels dry at this depth, it’s time to water. Different plants have varying moisture preferences, so it’s important to know whether your plant prefers consistently moist soil or if it needs to dry out slightly between waterings. You can find all this information on the product pages of our plants!

When you water, aim to thoroughly moisten the soil, ensuring the water reaches the roots. Water slowly and evenly, allowing it to soak in rather than running off. It’s often best to water in the morning, giving the plant time to absorb the moisture before the heat of the day. Ensure that the pot has proper drainage to prevent water from pooling at the bottom, which can lead to root rot. For indoor plants, you might use a saucer to catch excess water, but be sure to empty it after a short period.

Pay attention to the plant’s leaves and overall appearance, as they can give clues about whether it’s getting the right amount of water. Yellowing leaves might indicate overwatering, while wilting could mean the plant is too dry. Adjust your watering schedule based on the plant’s responses and the conditions in your home, such as humidity and temperature, which can affect how quickly the soil dries out. By observing and responding to your plant’s needs, you can ensure it gets the right amount of water to thrive.

If you want to find more information on how to water your plant, take a look at our plant care guide: “watering plants: everything you need to know”.

How to Water Your Plant Guide

Consider these products for watering your indoor houseplants

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