Watering is an important part of Plant Care! Here we’re going to go through everything you need to know!
| Top Watering | Bottom Watering | Showering | Additional Tips |
Top Watering
This is the one we’re all familiar with. Grab your watering can and water the top of the soil. Add water until it runs from the drainage holes, remove any excess water that drains.
A great way to flush soil of any mineral build ups.
Tips – Avoid wetting leaves while watering.
Cons – compact soil, can attract pests, fungal problems on leaves.
Bottom Watering
Sitting your plant in a basin of water and allow it to sit for 10-20 minutes. Remove the plant once it has stopped taking up water and allow it to drain.
Bottom watering helps to avoid over watering as the soil will take up as much water as it needs.
Tips – Don’t allow your plants to sit in water for too long. Once finished the soil should be moist, not soggy. The time this takes can vary from plant to plant.
Cons – build up of salts/minerals in the soil.
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Showering
Give your plants a shower! Its a great way to also clean the leaves of your plants! Shower them for 5-10 minutes then allow to drain! Although its not convenient to lug your plants into the shower every time you want to water, it’s a great addition to your routine. Try giving your plants a shower once a month or whenever you have a little extra time.
Takeaway
There are many ways to water your plants, I find a combination to be the best way to keep your plants happy and healthy!
Additional Tips
Amount of Water
Over watering is not caused by too much water…provided your pots have drainage holes. Over watering occurs when plants are watered too frequently and are not allowed to dry out sufficiently. All plants have different needs, do a little research on how much your plant needs to dry out before its time to water!
Water sensitivity
Many houseplants can be sensitive to chemicals in tap water. To combat this keep water out for 24-48 hours before using. (peace lily, dracaena) Some houseplants have zero tolerance and need distilled water (carnivorous plants, lucky bamboo)
Temperature of Water
Water should be room temperature. Using water that is too cold or too hot can shock and damage the roots of your plant.
Happy Gardening!
