How to Properly Water Your Houseplants and Not Kill Them

Gardening Tips and Tricks

Like most people, you probably think that the key to keeping your houseplants alive is to water them regularly. But did you know that you can actually kill your plants by giving them too much water?

It might seem counterintuitive, but it’s true! Overwatering your plants can cause them to suffocate and rot, leading to a slow and painful death. So how can you avoid overwatering your plants?

Here are a few tip from your trusted plant supplier:

Check the Soil Before You Water

One of the important things you can do for your plants is to check the soil before you water. This simple step can save your plants from overwatering, which can be just as harmful as not watering them at all.

When you check the soil before watering, you’re looking for two things: moisture and drainage. Moisture is vital for obvious reasons – plants need water to survive. But drainage is just as important, because too much water can drown your plants.

To check for moisture, stick your finger into the soil about an inch or two. If it feels dry, your plant needs water. If it feels wet, leave it be – too much water can be as harmful as too little.

To check for drainage, dig a tiny hole in the soil and fill it with water. If the water drains away quickly, the soil is well-drained. If it takes a while for the water to drain, the soil is poorly-drained, and you’ll have to be careful not to overwater your plants.

Once you know how much water your plants need, you can water them accordingly. Check the soil before each watering to ensure your plants are getting the appropriate amount of water.

Water the Soil, Not the Leaves

When watering your plants, it’s important to water the soil, not the leaves. Watering the leaves can do more harm than good since it can encourage fungal growth and make the leaves more susceptible to pests and diseases. Plus, it’s just a waste of water!

Water your plants earlier in the day so the leaves can dry off before nighttime. If you wait until the evening to water, the leaves of your houseplants will be wet all night, which can encourage fungal growth. Water the soil around the plant base and avoid getting the leaves wet if possible.

Don’t Water Your Houseplants Everyday

Most plants need to be watered every 7-10 days, but some may have to be watered more or less often.

When you do water your houseplants, make sure to water them thoroughly. Allow the water to slowly run through the pot and out the drainage holes. This will help to flush out any excess fertilizers or salts that may have accumulated in the potting mix.

If you’re unsure about how often to water your plants, err on the side of too little water instead of too much. It’s better to underwater your plants than to overwater them.

Know Your Plant

When watering indoor plants, it is important to know the specific needs of the plant. Different plants have different watering needs, so it is important to know what plant you have and its specific needs. It’s recommended that you ask your plant supplier about the proper care your houseplant requires when you purchase it.

Conclusion

It is important to water your houseplants, but it is possible to kill them with too much water. Overwatering can result in root rot, which can kill a plant. 

By following these simple tips above, you can avoid overwatering your plants and keep them healthy and happy for years to come.

Everything About Garden is one of the trusted plant sellers in Sydney, where you can find a plethora of both indoor and outdoor plants. Check out the plants we have for you today!

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