While watering a plant may sound easy, it does take some thought and practice.
The Number One reason plants die is improper watering; when you care for their needs properly, they will thrive.
How much water per plant? Well, different plants use more or less water.
To water properly. make sure you feed them properly and at the appropriate time!
Good watering practices will keep them alive and healthier, longer.
Smaller plants only need about a teaspoon of water a day and larger houseplants require two teaspoons per day (and for each feeding)
If a plant can use proper water, they will grow faster and better.
Read more to get some information about specific plants with good water measurements (requirements).
How Much Should I Water My Indoor Plants?
Indoor plants can differ in a few different ways, including in their water needs.
When figuring out how much water your houseplants will need there are a few factors to take into consideration.
These factors include.
Plant variety
Plants that made their homes in drought-affected regions – particularly succulents – wouldn’t require a consistent watering to live.
Vegetables and annual plants, on the other hand, need constant water supplied to them for survival until they are harvested. Some types of flowers will even dry out quicker.
Watering period
Water your plants either in the mornings, or evenings when the temperatures are cooler.
The soil will absorb the water better, and not dry out as quickly, especially if it is hot.
Exposure to Light
Plants that receive direct sunlight for more than 5 hours a day will experience quicker drying.
They require more watering than plants in dark light or shaded plants.
Type of soil mix
If you have a soil mix that allows for a range of plants, it will need only a little watering since absorption is very quick.
Soil that is light or mixed with rocks does not retain moisture well, therefore it needs regular watering.
Be sure to check the earth often to feel how wet or dry it is.
Size of the pot or planter
In contrast, small planters dry out more quickly than plants in large pots.
Also, pots with drainage holes require additional moisture than pots with no drainage.
Home area temperature
If you live in a tropical region, your plants will need more water because the temperatures are high.
Seasons
As a general rule, plants need little in terms of water when the temperature is cool, as they stop growing so quickly.
For example, a plant that likes moisture, and almost needs water every seven days during the summer months, would probably only want water every 15 days when it is cooler out.
Quality of the water
The pH levels and mineral contents of water vary.
Water that has a pH and electrolytic content outside the normal range can poison the roots, or discolor or kill the leaves.
If the water source is not conducive to growth, consider adding a filter.
Otherwise, distilled water is best for your plants.
Mulching
When plants are young, mulch can be beneficial at the beginning of the season to help conserve moisture for plant establishment, as the surface area will dry out less quickly.
However, top dressing your house plants unnecessarily can encourage overwatering when the soil dries out slowly.
Air humidity
When using an air conditioning unit in your home, remember that your plants will need more water since the air is normally more dry.
Plants really do well with humidity; when there is humidity, it is possible for them to get the moisture they need to bloom at their best.
Type Of Water For Houseplants
Water your plants with rainwater or distilled spring water to achieve a healthy and glossy appearance.
Tap water is acceptable but can contain harmful chemicals that will kill house plants, depending on where you live.
Rainwater is rich in minerals and has adequate oxygen for healthy plants.
On the other hand, distilled water is put through a process that removes toxins. So both types of water are good options for watering your house plants.
Hard water has a high amount of salt and minerals that can build up in the soil. Though this build-up is not harmful, it may inhibit the roots from taking up the nutrients.
If you mainly use hard water, switch between distilled or rainwater to decrease the salts from the hard water.
Do NOT ever use water with chlorine on plants as it’s toxic. Signs that your water includes chlorine are the brown tips and spots on the leaves.
Chlorine kills the microorganisms and good bacteria in your soil and is not good as these are necessary to provide rich nutrients for the plants.
Watering Outdoor Plants
Outdoor plants endure every weather event, while most are tough and resilient, they tend to require additional water resources than indoor plants for optimal growth.
Like indoor plants, the outdoor plants that grow on or near your house exterior have different requirements for water.
An option to keep your outdoor plants well watered would be to use a drip irrigation system.
You can ensure that all plants in the area receive equal distribution of water because it’s based on a timer. Drip irrigation, by design, is slow and allows the soil to soak
42- Remember to add some mulch on top of the soil to help retain some moisture and prevent it from drying out so fast. It would be best to water the plants when outside temperatures are lower, as it prevents water from evaporating so quickly.
What Works Best – The best time to water outdoor plants is early morning or late evening to prevent any water from drying out due to direct sunlight.
How To Tell If A Plant Is Overwatered
Whether your plants receive too little or too much water can decide whether they flourish, or die.
You need rationed water to maintain a healthy plant.
The roots of the plants breathe good air in good soil and when that soil gets too much water, it will suffocate the roots.
You may notice the signs of overwatering a plant to mimic those of soil that gets no water.
They are:
- Droopy or wilting leaves
- Roots appear rotten or are no longer growing
- Leaves at the bottom of the plant start turning yellow or light brown
- The plant stops producing new buds
- The topsoil changes color to a deep green due to the growth of algae
To avoid overwatering the plants:
- Ensure there is good soil drainage
- Give your plants time to absorb the previous water before adding more
- Always touch the soil to feel if there is enough moisture, and only water if it feels scorched
How Long Should Soil Stay Wet After Watering?
Moistened soil will be wet for about four hours and then almost a full day afterwards since the soil should still be slightly wet.
Wet soil usually has a darker color and a strong wet smell. However, both absorption and retention will depend on the type of soil you are using.
Always plant your houseplants in light, fluffy, and nutrient-rich soil, and consider purchasing a soil moisture gauge to see how wet the soil is.
Soil moisture gauge will allow you to properly manage watering so your plant either rots due to the over-watered situation or is dying due to lack of water.
How Long Should Plants Be Watered?
Be sure to water your plants until the water reaches the roots!
Every time you water plants too quickly, water only reaches the topsoil.
When watering the plants, let a steady trickle of water run for no less than a few minutes. Make sure water is evenly distributed around the plant by ensuring all the soil is soaked.
If you water just one side, you are not allowing the roots to evenly take in sufficient nutrients and the plant will die.
One way to effectively water plants is by installing an automatic drip irrigation system.
Newly planted plants will typically need to be watered for 10 minutes.
How To Water A Potted Plant
Using a watering can or a garden hose with a shower sprayer is the best way to water your indoor plants.
This allows the water to evenly penetrate soil and root for sufficient nutrition.
You should continue to water until water starts to run off the drainage holes in the pot.
Here are great tips to keep your potted plant healthy through watering:
- Make sure to familiarize yourself with the water needs of the various plants that you’ve selected for your space. Plants such as perennials need moist soil, while succulents require dry soil and infrequent watering.
- Use the right soil in the pots. Well-draining soil with the appropriate nutrients is typically best potting soil formulated with fertilizers from the garden center is a good option. Don’t use soil that you simply dug out of your garden because it may contain pests and diseases.
- Choose the right pots and containers to use. Make sure to select a pot that is the correct size and give thought to the potting material which permits air circulation to your plants and retains water with a means for excess water to drain at the bottom. Containers like baskets do not retain water and will dry out your plants quicker than terracotta pots. Metal containers will heat the soil and kill any roots due to lack of water.
- Frequent check and feel the soil in the pots for moisture level. Water your plants based on how the soil feels. Oftentimes, the top of the soil may feel dry but the humidity is a few inches deeper. Be careful of over-watering or under-watering.
How Long Can Plants Survive Without Water?
Most plants can survive between 1 to 4 weeks without water, depending on the:
- soil
- plant type
- container size
- and season
Water is essential for a healthy plant to thrive and grow. If a plant doesn’t receive water, then it will wilt and die.
For large plants, you can lightly spray the leaves while watering them, especially if you live in a dry climate.
This is refreshing for the plant and rinses the plant of the pesticide residue.
Just be sure to dry off the plant’s leaves because excess moisture on any leaves can lead to fungus growth.
Watering Hanging Plants
Hanging plants can be a messy but rewarding endeavor, especially if they have to be watered regularly.
To help your floor and to keep water moisture in the soil, you can cross tie water collecting saucers at the bottom of the pots.
When watering or spraying water, keep the nozzle low to the ground so as not to splash water everywhere.
Water collecting saucers at the bottom of hanging plant pots can be helpful to make sure overwatering does not occur.
Once the soil absorbs water, excess water will drain and puddle in the saucer, which is a sign to stop watering.
Make sure to not keep the saucer frequently damp as consistent moisture can lead to rot roots on affected plants.
Final Thoughts
It can be challenging to assess the specific water per plant as it varies depending on the species, season of the year, and other environmental factors.
If you adequately care for your plant, like you were encouraged to when first getting them, you will eventually know how much water they require.