Those of us concerned about the robustness of our plants wonder how often to water them. There is no simple answer. Because all plants need different conditions, it depends on the particular plant. The one rule of thumb for determining how often you should water your plants is to stick your finger about 2 inches into the potting soil and see if the soil is damp. If it is, do not water.

Watering Your Plants

Houseplants have roots that are close to the bottom of the pot. If the bottom part of the pot feels like it is drying out, that is the time to water. Keep testing the soil until it is almost dry at the 2 inches down mark. The smaller is the pot the less deep you need to go to test the soil. If the test shows the plant is dry, water until the water comes out of the bottom of the pot. Doing this ensures that you wash out all the extra salt and that the bottom of the pot gets enough water. Do not let the pot sit in the water that has just run out. Before you water this plant again, do the 2-inch test. Each time you test, ensure that the soil allows you to go 2 inches. If not, it means you need to repot the plant. Add a soil mix that is more porous. Seasons affect the watering needs of plants. In summer, some plants need water constantly. During the fall, they need less. In the winter, plants want even less water. Be aware of temperature changes and light levels, as that will also affect the need of the plants. Overwatering as well as underwatering are the main reasons your plants fail.

Temperature

Houseplants are happy with a temperature that is 70 to 80 degrees during the day and nighttime temperatures of 60 to 68 degrees. Flowering houseplants, like their nighttime temperature to be about 55 to 60 degrees. Excessive changes in temperature cause plant failure.

Definitions

Dry means that you allowed the plant to completely dry, not just the top of the pot. Moderately dry is when you have allowed the soil to dry halfway down the pot, the bottom half will be slightly dry when you need to water the plant again. Moderately moist, now the soil is almost one-third to one-half way down the pot dry, and the bottom half is just a little moist when you go to water the plant again. Moist means when only the surface is dry the plant needs to be watered.

Signs to Look for in Your Plants

Plants that are standing tall and reaching for the light are getting the water they need. A droopy dull looking plant is just pleading for moisture. Plants in sunny locations will need more water. Flowering plants dry out faster. Using clay pots means that water evaporates quicker and plants dry out sooner. Heed the plant signs. Test the soil and water when each plant looks like it needs it.

Source:

Aggie Horticulture

SkyNursery

NC State University