Proper Watering Habits to Avoid Killing Your Houseplants
Bad watering habits are one of the most common reasons for house plants to die. You may either be overwatering or neglecting to water your plants. Each plant has different watering needs, and watering them all simultaneously can be detrimental, especially to those with fragile roots that prefer dryer soil.
Some plants prefer frequent watering, while others want to get watered less often. You will need to know the type of soil and the amount of water they need to thrive.
This article will run you through the proper watering habits to keep your plants healthy and thrive.
Leave Space for Water
Do you fill your pot up to the rim with potting soil? You will need to leave space on the top of your planters free from soil to allow some water to cover the substrate and soak on its own.
However, it would be best if you did not let your plants sit in water. Make sure to empty the tray for your plants after watering them. Most plants, unless they are bog plants, don’t want to sit in water. This can cause fatal root rot.
Watering Techniques
Bottom watering is a method that prevents your plant leaves from getting wet. It allows your plant to absorb water from the bottom and take what it needs. Letting your plant’s leaves get wet can encourage fungal disorders.
Another technique is to use a long-necked watering can when watering from the top. This allows you to apply the water precisely to the soil without wetting the leaves.
Make sure you are giving your plant drinks instead of sips of water. Shallow and insufficient watering causes weak root systems, which are vulnerable to collapse. Make sure you are watering thoroughly.
The Right Location for Your Plant
You should always choose the right location for your plant based on the amount of sunlight it needs. However, it also helps to keep plants with similar watering needs next to each other. This lets you water all the plants that need to be watered and not miss one because it’s further from the rest.
You can keep a water supply nearby for plants that need to get watered frequently.
Consistent Watering
You can mark days on your calendar to remind yourself to check if your plant needs watering. It helps to be consistent with this, so your plants don’t suffer debilitating cycles of drought. Plants usually prefer even moisture.
It is best to water in the morning as night watering encourages dampness and fungi. Watering during the day allows for evaporation and transpiration of excess water.
Water Quality
Some plants are more sensitive to water quality. Some cannot tolerate chlorinated tap water, while others may have a difficult time with soft water. It is best to go for the cleanest water properly, such as rainwater, reverse osmosis water, or water that has been allowed to sit for days to dechlorinate.
Conclusion
As each plant has a different set of watering needs, it is best to research the amount of water they need and how often you should be watering them. It is best to prevent leaves from getting wet and letting your plants sit in water.
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