Watering Houseplants: A Practical Guide

Watering is the most common way houseplant owners kill their plants. Too much love (water) leads to root rot, while neglect leads to dried-out crispiness.

The Golden Rule: Check the Soil

Before you pour, stick your finger in the soil.

• Dry top inch? Water (for most tropicals like Pothos, Monsteras).
• Still damp? Wait. Roots need oxygen as much as they need water.
• Bone dry? Soak it thoroughly.

Signs of Overwatering vs Underwatering

Overwatering

• Yellowing lower leaves (often starting at the base).
• Mushy, black stems.
• Fungus gnats (tiny flying bugs around the soil).
• Brown spots with yellow halos.
• Moldy soil surface.

Underwatering

• Crispy brown edges and tips.
• Drooping leaves that perk up within an hour of watering.
• Soil pulling away from the edges of the pot.
• Slow, stunted growth.
• Lower leaves drying up and falling off (the plant sacrifices them).

How to Water Properly

1. Water deeply: Pour until water runs out the drainage holes. This ensures the entire root ball gets moisture.
2. Drain: Never let the plant sit in standing water in a decorative pot or saucer. “Wet feet” causes rot quickly.
3. Temperature: Use tepid (room temperature) water. Cold water shocks tropical roots, and hot water cooks them.

The “Bottom Watering” Method

Place your nursery pot in a bowl of water for 30 minutes. The soil will wick up exactly what it needs through the drainage holes.

• Pros: Prevents fungus gnats (topsoil stays dry), ensures saturation for peat-based soils.
• Cons: Salts can build up over time (flush from the top once a month).

Water Quality Matters

Not all water is created equal. Some sensitive plants (Calatheas, Spider Plants, Dracaenas) react poorly to tap water chemicals.

• Tap Water: Often contains chlorine, fluoride, and salts. Chlorine evaporates if left out for 24 hours; fluoride does not.
• Distilled/Rain Water: The gold standard for fussy plants. Zero minerals/chemicals.
• Filtered Water: Better than tap, but may still contain some minerals.

Seasonal Watering

Your plant’s thirst changes with the seasons.

• Spring/Summer (Growth Mode): Plants are actively growing and transpiring. Water more frequently.
• Fall/Winter (Dormancy): Lower light and cooler temps mean plants drink much less. Cut watering frequency by half. Always check the soil first!