We all know someone who has drowned their potted plant on accident and could use a few plant watering tips.
It’s not the only culprit behind failed gardening attempts, but I also feel like the correct way to water plants is just not highlighted or talked about enough by the experts!
Not to mention, a container garden will need to be watered much more frequently than a traditional in-ground garden.
The weather, type of plant, temperature, humidity, location, size, and material of your pot or container are all factors to take into account when watering. It’s not an exact science but I’ve learned some tips to help guide you through your plant’s growth stages and figured I would share with you too.
Just an FYI, beginner gardeners only become experts because they failed so many times. I learned the hard way after I thought I killed several houseplants, but they grew back. Just another example of how truly resilient plants are and how we could take a few lessons from them!
How to Know When to Water Your Plant
There are signs to look for when your plant is distressed and thirsty. The most common is wilting or the yellowing of leaves. When growing in a plastic pot, simply lift the pot. If it feels super light, it’s time to water. If it still has some weight to it, give it a day or two.
Some plants require heavier watering than others. For example, succulents, cacti, and herbs do well in drought-tolerant weather and generally need less watering than most plants, whereas growing vegetables will need heavier watering from seedling to maturity. If you need in-depth watering tips for a specific plant, I highly recommend going to your public library and checking out a book for the most accurate research.
Here’s some plant watering tips for pots and containers
1. Water first thing in the morning
Plants need to have fuel in the morning for optimal growth, especially in the hours when they grow most. By watering first thing in the morning, plants can also dry off before nightfall. On bright and sunny days, plants lose more water through evaporation and transpiration. As a rule of thumb, be sure to give plants an extra dose on brighter days and hold back on the cloudier ones.
2. Water more, less often
When you find yourself frustrated with gardening, you need to take a step back and look at what nature is doing. Rain is a natural way to water plants and while it’s heavy, it’s infrequent. The same applies to your plants. Frequent light waterings will lead to shallow roots, which ultimately leads to stunted growth and your plant just not growing to be its best self. However, infrequent heavy watering encourages roots to grow and chase water to the bottom of the pot for ultimate hydration.
3. Avoid watering the leaves
In cooler temperatures, watering the leaves shouldn’t happen because this leaves plants more susceptible to disease. In hotter temperatures, watering the leaves can burn and damage the plant. With the extreme summer temperatures last year in Florida, I had to learn the hard way!
4. Start with fertile soil
Coarse, sandy soil cannot retain moisture as well as humus-rich well-structured soil. You might have to water more often for sandy soil so observation is key here. Use soil mixed with compost, which will retain moisture for longer, meaning less watering for you! However, fertile soil that is completely dried out may turn hydrophobic and not absorb the water, so daily observation is key here. You can ensure your soil is fertile by making your own with compost at home. It’s the science experiment that you never needed!
Read: How to Compost for Cheap Using a $5 Storage Tote
5. Water, as needed
Do not hold yourself to a strict plant watering schedule. This is what leads to overwatering because different plants will have drastically different needs. The best way to know when plants need watering? Observation! Check your plants daily for signs of wilting or yellowing leaves. You can also dip your finger in the first couple of inches of soil. If it’s bone dry, it’s time to water. Keep in mind: Frequent watering also means you will have to fertilize more often since nutrients get leaked out fast.
6. Use the right pot or container
Different pots and containers will hold and retain water better than others. Plastic pots are non-porous and are the cheapest, most popular option for pots. You will have to water less often. Porous clay and ceramic pots allow water to drain out faster. Depending on where you live or what you’re growing, choose the right pot for you. However, remember that roots stuck in water-logged soil will drown or die from root rot. Plants thrive from a little neglect every once in a while.
7. Use room-temperature water
During the winter, cold water from the tap can be so cold, that it shocks roots into temporary inactivity. Although the plants look doomed, they will recover. But avoid shocking roots by mixing super cold water with warm water for an ideal temperature of around 60 degrees.
Plants growing in pots will always be more resilient to a lack of water than too much water.
The secret to a healthy and thriving container garden is daily observation. Remember, plants thrive from a little neglect every once in a while!
Did you find these plant watering tips helpful? If so, please pin and share!
