Whether you grow mother in law’s tongue, orchids, African violets, or a ficus, your houseplants are going to need water, but take care not to overdo it! Like the title suggests, if you suspect your plant is suffering from too much of a good thing, ease back with the water.
Many people associate water with care, however, watering plants on a daily basis, when the plant doesn't need it, or if the plants are in containers with no drainage holes will only result in a death by drowning.
Roots need oxygen, just like we do. If roots sit in water overlong, they’ll rot. If your plant has been over watered in the past, then let the plant dry out and vow never to over water again.
How do you keep from over watering? Sure, a Peace Lily will need more water than a cactus, and it will do one spectacular fainting act if you don't give it water, but to keep on the straight and narrow, there are some rules of (green) thumb.
First of all, don’t believe everything you see. Stick your finger in the soil about an inch or two below. If it’s still moist, let it go a day or so. Some pots and potting soil hold water better than others but will look dry on top. Sandy soil will dry our far quicker than peat-based soil mix.
Some people also use little watering indicators that you stick it in the soil. If the plant has enough water, the little dial tells you, and likewise if it’s dry. Unfortunately though, I’ve found out that these are just gimmicks and stop working after a few months.
Generally, I water plants once a week, but only if they need it. My corn plant, or Dracaena, only gets water once a month, but it’s a good drink, not just spillage from the watering can! If plant is blooming or setting buds, I'll water a little more often to keep up the plant's strength. When it's winter, I'll water less, but depending on the humidity in your house, the warm dry air can dry out the soil quick.
Some plants prefer different watering methods. Orchids and African violets like to be watered from below, which means putting water in the saucer, not from the top. Both are prone to leaf spotting and crown rot. Let the plant stand in the water-filled saucer, or even the sink, depending on the size of the pot, for about a half hour, then drain excess off. Others prefer watering directly on the soil. Always ask questions when you buy a plant. The seller is usually happy to share their knowledge.
Fertilizers in the water help the plants because frequent watering leach out nitrogen from the soil. In most cases, depending on the plant, fertilize once a month. Using fertilizer every time you water the plants builds up salt in the soil, which eventually kills the plant if not leached out.Hope that helps you keep your plants happy and healthy! So remember, a good drink when the soil's a bit drier is best for most!
Many people associate water with care, however, watering plants on a daily basis, when the plant doesn't need it, or if the plants are in containers with no drainage holes will only result in a death by drowning.
Roots need oxygen, just like we do. If roots sit in water overlong, they’ll rot. If your plant has been over watered in the past, then let the plant dry out and vow never to over water again.
How do you keep from over watering? Sure, a Peace Lily will need more water than a cactus, and it will do one spectacular fainting act if you don't give it water, but to keep on the straight and narrow, there are some rules of (green) thumb.
First of all, don’t believe everything you see. Stick your finger in the soil about an inch or two below. If it’s still moist, let it go a day or so. Some pots and potting soil hold water better than others but will look dry on top. Sandy soil will dry our far quicker than peat-based soil mix.
Some people also use little watering indicators that you stick it in the soil. If the plant has enough water, the little dial tells you, and likewise if it’s dry. Unfortunately though, I’ve found out that these are just gimmicks and stop working after a few months.
Generally, I water plants once a week, but only if they need it. My corn plant, or Dracaena, only gets water once a month, but it’s a good drink, not just spillage from the watering can! If plant is blooming or setting buds, I'll water a little more often to keep up the plant's strength. When it's winter, I'll water less, but depending on the humidity in your house, the warm dry air can dry out the soil quick.
Some plants prefer different watering methods. Orchids and African violets like to be watered from below, which means putting water in the saucer, not from the top. Both are prone to leaf spotting and crown rot. Let the plant stand in the water-filled saucer, or even the sink, depending on the size of the pot, for about a half hour, then drain excess off. Others prefer watering directly on the soil. Always ask questions when you buy a plant. The seller is usually happy to share their knowledge.
Fertilizers in the water help the plants because frequent watering leach out nitrogen from the soil. In most cases, depending on the plant, fertilize once a month. Using fertilizer every time you water the plants builds up salt in the soil, which eventually kills the plant if not leached out.Hope that helps you keep your plants happy and healthy! So remember, a good drink when the soil's a bit drier is best for most!
Image of watering can and design by : Nicolas le moigne from Switzerland. http://www.designboom.com/contest/view.php?contest_pk=6&item_pk=1807&p=1
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