How Do I Know When to Water my Plants?

What’s the deal with watering my plants?

Watering your plants does a lot more than you might think! It gives them structural support, keeps them cool, and helps transport nutrients to where they’re needed most.

Imagine your plant cells as water balloons. When they’re full of water, they’re firm, and your plant stands tall and proud. But when they’re low on H2O, those cells deflate, leaving your plant looking sad and droopy—a clear sign it’s time for a drink! While plants produce cellulose to help maintain their shape, nothing beats the power of water pressure to keep them upright and happy.

When you water, something magical happens: transpiration! The sun heats up the leaves, causing water to evaporate through tiny openings called stomata. This creates a vacuum effect that pulls water up from the roots. If the roots are too dry, the plant will pull water from its leaves instead. So, keeping those roots hydrated is key!

How Often Should I Water?

Just like different plants have unique light needs, their water requirements vary too! Think about where your plants naturally thrive: are they used to dry desert conditions or lush tropical rainforests?

- Succulents:These desert beauties prefer to dry out between waterings. They’ve got thick, fleshy leaves that store moisture, so they’re perfectly adapted to go a bit longer without a drink. When you water them, let the potting mix dry out completely before watering again—think of it as a spa day!

- Tropical Plants: Plants like the Monstera or Bird’s Nest Fern love humidity and frequent rain. They’re used to getting splashed often, so you’ll want to give them a drink about once a week.

How Much Water Is Just Right?

The size of your pot plays a big role in how much water your plant needs. Smaller pots dry out faster than larger ones, so if you’ve got two of the same plant in different-sized pots, keep an eye on the one in the smaller pot!

Watering Tips:

1. Check the Soil: Stick your finger in the potting mix. If it feels dry, it’s time to water. Most plants prefer the soil to dry out completely between waterings, but some moisture-loving plants, like ferns, can handle it when the soil is just mostly dry.

2. Use Room Temperature Water: Fill your watering can and let the water sit out overnight to allow any chlorine to dissipate. Your plants will appreciate the warm welcome!

3. Water Evenly: Pour the water around the base of the plant, saturating the soil without turning it into mud. Avoid splashing water on the leaves to prevent pesky fungal spots—unless your plant is an epiphyte, of course!

4. Know Your Planter: For pots with drainage holes, water until you see it dripping out the bottom. If your pot doesn’t have a drainage hole, be careful not to overdo it—less is more!

Should I Set a Watering Schedule?

While we humans love to stay hydrated, plants can suffer from too much water. This is called overwatering, and it can lead to droopy leaves and root rot. On the flip side, if the soil is too dry, you’ll be underwatering.

Instead of sticking to a strict schedule, check in on your plants regularly. Water only those that need it! And remember: it’s easier to add water than to take it away, so if you’re unsure, lean toward underwatering.

Do Seasons Matter?

Absolutely! Seasonal changes affect your plants' watering needs. During summer, when the sun is shining bright, most houseplants (even succulents) may need more frequent waterings. Those succulents that thrived on a month-long break during winter might want a drink every week come summer! Tropical plants may need watering twice a week in summer but can go every 1-2 weeks in winter.

A Few Golden Rules for Watering:

- Room temperature water is best! Cold water can shock your plants.
- Let tap water sit overnight to let chlorine evaporate and minerals settle.
- Large planters dry out more slowly than small ones.
- Try to keep water off the leaves—most tropical plants have waxy leaves that help water slide off to avoid fungal issues.
- Brighter light means more frequent watering; lower light means less. Just remember, drought-tolerant succulents are an exception!

Keep an eye out for signs of thirst, like wrinkled leaves on succulents or drooping stems on tropicals, especially when the soil feels dry. Happy watering!