Three clever gadgets ensuring optimal watering for your indoor plants, thus preventing both overwatering and underwatering.
Watering Houseplants: Tips to Keep 'Em Alive and Thriving
Grow those green blooms without drowning them
Stop unintentionally murdering your houseplants with bad watering habits
Want a thriving houseplant collection? Master the art of watering
Walk into any home and you'll likely spot a few potted plants scattered around. They're a classic addition to any living space, adding a touch of nature and liveliness. But for all their charm, houseplants can be notoriously tricky to care for, with watering being the most common cause of their untimely demise.
Overwatering is often the culprit, but sometimes, it's not enough water thrusting those green beauties into an early grave. So, let's learn to water houseplants like a pro and keep those babies alive and growing strong.
Why Proper Watering Matters
Water is vital for a plant's survival. It helps move nutrients through the soil, fuels photosynthesis, and maintains the plant's turgidity (yes, that's a word), keeping them upright and vibrant. Plus, it helps those plants wilt when they need water, providing crucial hints that they're parched. But too much water can cause oxygen deprivation, leading to root rot and a host of other problems, so balancing soil moisture is key to keeping plants healthy.
Scheduling vs Regular Check-ins
Sticking to a rigid watering schedule is a recipe for disaster. Environmental conditions, like temperature and humidity, and plant specificities, like moisture requirements, all factor into how often they need watering. A much better approach is to regularly check your plants' soil and water them only when necessary.
Signs of Over- and Underwatering
Plants are like little talking heads if you know what to look for. If you notice any of these signs, adjust your watering game accordingly:
- Underwatered:
- Brown leaf tips or edges
- Wilting or drooping leaves
- Dry soil that easily pulls away from pot edges
- Leaves dropping off the plant
- Soil dries out quickly
- Overwatered:
- Yellowing lower leaves
- Mushy stems
- Soggy soil
- Fungus gnats
- Musty smell from soil
- Leaves dropping in spite of soil being wet
Tools to Simplify Watering
Get ready for greener days ahead with these handy tools that make watering houseplants a breeze:
1. PlantDoc Water Meter
Similar to how heart rate monitors keep tabs on our health, these meters monitor soil moisture for your plants. Made from biodegradable filter paper and hydrochromic ink, the meters turn color when they come in contact with moisture. Stick them in your plant's soil after watering, and they'll help you determine when it's time to water again.
2. Drain Drawer Plant Pots
Instead of wrestling with a watering can over a sink or dealing with sopping wet furniture, you can water your plants to your heart's content with the Drain Drawer Plant Pot. With a built-in drawer for collecting excess water, simply pull it out to drain any remaining water, and your watery woes are solved.
3. Self-Watering Plant Pots
These pots come equipped with a water reservoir and a wick system that delivers water to the soil as it dries out. Simply fill the reservoir once, and your plants enjoy constant hydration for weeks on end. The TruDrop Cup Tall Self-Watering Planter is perfect for lush indoor tropical plants, while the EZ Self-Watering Herb Planter Box helps new herb gardeners care for their leafy friends like pros.
Watering houseplants might seem daunting, but with these tips and tools, you'll be well on your way to a thriving indoor oasis.
[1] HGTV. (2021, May 03). How and When to Water Your Houseplants. https://www.hgtv.com/gardens/outdoor-gardens/houseplants/how-to-water-houseplants
[2] Gardening Know How. (n.d.). Watering Houseplants: How Often Should You Water Indoor Plants? https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/watering/watering-frequency.htm
[3] The Spruce. (2021, March 10). Best Potting Soil for Indoor Plants: Tips for Buying the Right Soil. https://www.thespruce.com/best-potting-soil-for-indoor-plants-3188906
[4] SFGate. (2021, April 09). Is My Houseplant Overwatered or Underwatered? https://homeguides.sfgate.com/my-houseplant-overwatered-or-underwatered-75353.html
[5] SmartGardener. (n.d.). How to Tell if Houseplants are Overwatered or Underwatered - and How to Fix It. https://smartgardener.com/houseplants/over-and-underwatering/
A flourishing home-and-garden isn't just about outdoor landscaping; it extends to the lifestyle within your four walls. Gardening enthusiasts can boost their indoor environment by nurturing thriving houseplants that complement their living space.
With proper watering techniques, it's possible to keep houseplants alive and flourishing. Understanding the importance of moisture balance and recognizing the signs of over- and underwatering are crucial steps to maintaining a vibrant home-and-garden ecosystem.
