Houseplant Watering 101: Avoid Too Much Of A Good Thing
I get asked the question “how often should I be watering my houseplants?” all the time and there are so many variables that go into the answer. You know, it’s sort of like trying to answer the question “how often should I wash my hair?”. I was an interior plantscaper (which is an interior plant specialist) for years and have lots to share with you on this subject.
Be sure to check out my updated & more detailed guide to watering indoor plants. I give you things to consider as well as answer questions.
Actually, there is no secret or one thing I can tell you. Plants are living, and like us, have different needs at different times. I’ve maintained 1000’s of houseplants and they all have different needs. It can be confusing but I hope these points will clear up the “watering my houseplants” issue for you. And when I say “avoid too much of a good thing”, I’m referring to water!
Some Of Our General Houseplant Guides For Your Reference:
- Guide To Watering Indoor Plants
- Beginner’s Guide To Repotting Plants
- 3 Ways To Successfully Fertilize Indoor Plants
- How to Clean Houseplants
- Winter Houseplant Care Guide
- Plant Humidity: How I Increase Humidity For Houseplants
- Buying Houseplants: 14 Tips For Indoor Gardening Newbies
- 11 Pet-Friendly Houseplants
This is what you need to consider when figuring out the frequency of watering your houseplants:
Here are the points listed in the video which all add in to determining how often to water:
Type of houseplant
How warm your house is
Air circulation
It’s a good thing but stagnant air slows down drying out.
Amount of sun
More sun, more drying.
Time of year
Top dressing
Moss or stones on top of the soil slow drying.
Size of the pot
Smaller pots, like 2 or 4″, will dry out much faster.
Type of pot
Clay dries out faster than plastic.
Soil mix
Soils with more perlite &/or lava rock will drain & dry out faster.
Type of plant
If you’re totally frustrated with watering your houseplants, here are some options to help you: a watering meter, an app on your phone (yes, there are apps to remind you), the good old calendar and self-watering containers.
Be sure to check out my updated & more detailed guide to watering indoor plants. I give you things to consider as well as answer questions.
Big Red Flag!
Don’t be a “hit and run” waterer. Splashing a plant every 2 days is not how it likes to be watered. Most people overwater their houseplants and kill them with kindness.
I’ve always believed that it’s better to err on the side of too little water than too much water. Do you struggle to keep houseplants alive?
OTHER HELPFUL GUIDES:
- Repotting Monstera Deliciosa
- How & Why I Clean Houseplants
- Monstera Deliciosa Care
- 7 Easy Care Floor Plants For Beginning Houseplant Gardeners
- 7 Easy Care Tabletop & Hanging Plants For Beginning Houseplant Gardeners
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- About the Author
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Nell, the founder of Joy Us garden, was born into a gardening family and grew up in Connecticut’s countryside. After living in Boston, New York, San Francisco, & Santa Barbara, she now calls the Arizona desert home. She studied horticulture & garden design, working in the field all her life. Nell is a gardener, designer, blogger, Youtube creator, & author. She’s been gardening for a very long time & wants to share what she’s learned with you.
Hey Cousin, as you know I am a pretty good layman gardener. Lately, I have been paying close attention to your watering tips. I’m not heavy handed with the water, but I have been over watering my aloes and mother in law tongues. I am watering my aloe about once a month now and it is gorgeous! Thanks and keep up the good work!
Hi there Cuz – You’re so welcome, glad I could help out with that. Plants like to rest in the winter & the days are shorter & darker so plants need less water at this time. The aloe & mother in law tongue definitely like to be kept on the drier side anyway. Mine love it here in Tucson!
I have a Bella Palm in a 3/4 inch tall plastic pot. It was probably watered today because i got it from the store. I’m not sure what’s in the soil. It’s in my bedroom farthest from the window, and I am on the fifth floor of an apartment building. My window is sometimes open. I think i gave enough information to help you tell me how often to water it. I’ve never owned a plant before and I would like to know how often to water it. Thanks in advance!
Hi Jonathan – I’m not sure how to answer your question because you say a 3/4 inch tall pot. There is no such thing. Not sure if you mean 4″ pot. General rune: the smaller the pot, the more often you have to water. Anyway, here’s a link for you which should help out: https://www.joyusgarden.com/neanthe-bella-palm-care-tips-for-this-table-top-palm/ Nell
Is there any kind of food for houseplants that does not have to be mixed with water, something that can be put right in the pot? I know there is something like that for outdoor plants. Thank you.
Susan – I’ve never used them but yes there are. The brands I know of are: Earth Pods, Jobes, & Osmocote. Plus, they are plant spikes too. Nell