Importance of Watering Correctly
Plants need air, water and nutrients to survive. Watering plants is necessary to help them thrive, grow and reproduce. Water transports nutrients to the plant, helps with proper tissue formation and function and is necessary for photosynthesis or how plants use energy from the sun to produce their own food. Without water a plant is unable to produce its own food.
Water acts as a solvent, allowing plants to pull necessary nutrients from the soil. Water carries dissolved sugars through the plant helping maintain a well nourished plant that is strong and stable.
Here are some helpful tips and tricks to help you with knowing when your green friends need water and when they've had enough. Also, click the button below for more watering tips an tricks, common watering mistakes, our favorite easy care plants and a watering journal to help keep you on track with caring for your plants.
Tips and Trick
1. Feel the Soil Before Watering
The best way to know if a plant needs water is to check the soil. The easiest way is to use your finger, but you can also purchase a moisture meter that measures the water in soil. If using your finger, gently stick your finger into the top part of the soil. If the soil feels wet then your plant likely has rough water for the time being. If the soil feel dry, then it’s time to water. Using a moisture meter is just as easy, simply stick the pointed end of the meter into the soil and check where the meter registers to determine if the plant needs water.
2. Water Thirsty Plants
When you notice that a plant is wilted or it’s leaves look droopy it’s likely time to water. It’s still a good rule to check the soil before watering, as a plant that’s been overwatered can also suffer from droopy leaves. You can also try using self watering devices like these terracotta stakes that are perfect for plants that need attention while you're vacationing. As the soil dries out the stakes allow water to flow into the gaps in the soil, keeping it moist.
3. Water When the Soil is Dry
For a plant that has been cared for and is not drooping or stressed, it is best to wait until the soil is dry to water. Stick your index finger a couple inches into the soil to check for moisture, if the soil has dried out slightly then it’s time to water. Slight drying out before watering promotes root growth.
4. Water in the Morning or Evening
It’s best to water plants either early in the
morning or early in the evening. The soil tends to be cooler in the early morning or in the late evening causing less water to evaporate. The plant is therefore, able to sufficiently supply water to themselves before the soil the heats up and evaporation beings.
5. Bottom Watering Method
Bottom watering is a method where you let the bottom half of the plant soak in water, allowing the plant to use its roots to drink water, leaving the excess behind. This is a great method that I’ve tried with my ferns and they love it. These pots have an excellent drainage system allowing excess water to flow away from the plants and the roots. You can use the tray to bottom water your plants and then dump out any excess water that the plants don't drink.
6. Slowly and Evenly Soak Dry Soil
It is best to water around the entire plant, not just in one area. The plant will be less stressed if it gets water evenly through its roots. Take care to water around the edge of the pot as that is usually where the roots gather, making it easier for the plant to drink water. If the soil is dry slowly soak the top inch of soil to prevent water from running off. Once the water seeps into the soil and is absorbed you can increase the volume.
7. Water Deeply and Thoroughly
Plants prefer to be watered deeply as this allows the water to reach the roots. Deep watering trains and encourages the plant to find water farther from the root ball. These self watering pots are another great option for making sure water reaches the roots of the plant.
8. Use Room Temperature Water
Plants prefer room temperature water as it allows for nutrient absorption and prevents
the plants from being shocked with either too hot or too cold water. Very cold water can also lead to root damage.
Check out this watering guidebook that includes a great journal to keep you on track with plant care and watering.
Check back for our upcoming post about common watering mistakes and we'll also include our favorite easy care house plants. Also, subscribe to get a quick email notification about our latest posts.
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