All house plants need water to keep them alive, but how much depends on their country of origin and the environment they evolved in. For example, a plant native to the jungles of South America will need more water than a cactus from the Mexican desert. Knowing how much water to give your plants is key to their survival.
Today we reveal to you how to properly water your houseplants.
How to save wilted house plants
It pays to know the signs of under- or over-watered plants. Plants will ‘tell you’ if you’re not doing it right. If your plant is looking sickly, first check the compost. If it’s dry, immerse the plant’s pot in a bucket of water and hold it down – air should bubble up. Leave it until the compost is soaked through and the plant shows signs of perking up. Allow the water to drain before returning it to where it was growing.
Wilted yellow leaves can be a sign of overwatering. If the compost is damp, let it dry out before you next water.
DO Use a Watering Can
A watering can has a long spout that allows you to precisely direct the flow of water to the base of a houseplant. Use a drinking glass or bottle instead, and you’re just asking for a mess.
DON’T Use Softened Water
Water softening systems use sodium, which can negatively affect the health of your houseplants. If your softener connects to both the hot and cold faucets – or if you aren’t sure how it’s connected – fill up your watering can at an outdoor spigot. Or, use filtered or purified water.
DO Water Indoor Plants as Needed
To know when your houseplants need a drink, touch the soil. If it’s dry, the plant needs water. If the surface is moist, hold off on watering. Check every single specimen – just because one needs to be watered doesn’t mean they all do.
DON’T Follow a Watering Schedule
You can set a schedule for checking to see if your indoor plants need water, but don’t base your watering on the calendar. Sticking to a once-a-week plan can lead to overwatering and underwatering, as some houseplants may need watered more or less often.
DO Soak the Soil Thoroughly
When your indoor plants need to be watered, don’t just give them a tiny sip. Soak the soil thoroughly, until water starts to come out of the pot’s drainage holes. Giving houseplants a good, long drink encourages healthy root system development.
