If you struggle or have ever struggled to keep houseplants alive and happy, then you are not alone. Of all the possible challenges presented to plant owners—especially beginning ones—watering can be the most daunting. You might think this crazy, but watering really holds most of the keys to keeping your houseplants happy and healthy. Whether you’re new to indoor growing or you’ve done it for years, it is important to understand the basics of watering so that you can bring out the best health in your houseplants.
I wasn’t always good with plants; as a matter of fact, I didn’t even have a “green thumb.” My poor plants would just wither away, and I couldn’t seem to figure out why. But once I began to learn about the various needs of each, especially about their water and light requirements, things started to change. Most importantly, I completely changed the way I watered them, and that is when my indoor garden started to flourish.
Now, let’s dive in and see from the experts themselves some tips on how to water your plants indoors correctly. These few simple techniques can make all the difference in keeping your houseplants happy and healthy.
The Importance of Uniform Watering
The first step in proper indoor plant care is making sure you water your plants evenly. Uniform watering means the entire soil is moist, not just the top layer of it. Too many beginners are likely to overwater or underwater, and both can be harmful. A very important thing to remember is that the soil should be saturated, but the roots must not sit in the water for quite a long period of time. If this happens, your plant may develop root rot, which is extremely common when it comes to indoor plants.
Tip: Always check if the pot of your plant has proper drainage. Without drainage holes, excess water will remain at the bottom, actually smothering the roots and eventually causing it to rot.
Drainage Holes in Pots
I really recommend using pots that have drainage holes, especially if you want to take a real interest in growing plants inside. I always go for plastic pots since they are relatively cheap and most of them have given holes for drainage. These let excess water drain off, thus averting your plants from sitting in stagnant water. When I water my plants, I make sure that water must be completely drained before returning them to usual places.
If using ornamental pots, make sure the interior pot has holes, or place a bed of pebbles inside the bottom of the exterior pot. This simple trick allows excess water to pool underneath the roots rather than soak them.
Avoid Overwatering
Perhaps one of the more common mistakes made when caring for indoor plants is overwatering. I’ve done this myself, back in the beginning. First, I wasn’t watering enough, then I overcompensated, watering too often. Now I know the magic moment: I water just when the soil is really dry. With most small- to medium-sized plants, you can tell by sticking your finger about an inch into the dirt. If it’s dry, it’s time to water. If it’s still damp, wait a few more days.
I water once a week, typically on Sundays, but I always go by what the soil of the plant says. Some may dry out faster than others, and that is perfectly fine. Take notice of what your plants are telling you rather than strictly going by the watering schedule, and they will thank you for it.
Morning Is Best for Watering
Timing can be everything when it comes to taking care of indoor plants. The best time for watering houseplants is in the morning. Why? Well, in the day, plants absorb moisture more efficiently as they remain under the continuous onslaught of light and warmth. This also helps prevent water from remaining around in the soil overnight—which could lead to root rot or fungal problems.
Use Rainwater When Possible
Another easy tip for indoor plant growth involves using rainwater instead of tap water when possible. Sometimes, tap water can contain certain chemicals—chlorine is not uncommon—that are harmful to sensitive houseplants. Rainwater is natural, additive-free water and hence the best choice for watering your plants.
If you don’t have rainwater, you can let tap water sit out overnight to let any harmful substances evaporate.
Creating Humidity for Tropical Plants
Most houseplants, but especially tropical species such as ferns and peace lilies, like to have their surroundings on the humid side. However, it is quite difficult to provide for this demand of the plants indoors. What does work, though, is giving the humid conditions of the plants effective management through regular misting of them. It brings moisture into the atmosphere around the plants, creating a sort of microclimate in which they can just feel right at home.
You can also humidify by grouping plants together or placing them on trays of pebbles and a little water. As the water evaporates, it enhances the air around your plants with humidity without over-wetting the soil.
Using a Moisture Meter for Larger Plants
Larger houseplants, like a Monstera or fiddle-leaf fig, you just can’t tell whether it needs water or not by touching the soil. In those cases, I use a moisture meter to find out how wet the soil is at different levels. It gives you an actual reading of how much water deep inside the pot, so you don’t overwater your plant based on how it looks at the surface.
Lacking a moisture meter, do the old-fashioned trick of sticking a wooden skewer or stick into the soil. If it emerges dry, now is the time for watering; if wet, wait some more.
Final Thoughts on Indoor Plant Care
Properly watering your plants is the first step to their proper care. By following these rules of thumbs—using containers with drainage, avoiding overwatering, and making sure to water in the morning—you will give your houseplants the best opportunity to thrive. Remember, plants like consistency. You need to listen to their different needs, then in a little while, you will start to see the success of your indoor garden.
Since making the switch, I’ve seen such a huge difference in the growth and overall health of my plants. If you’re struggling with growing indoors, I wanted to go over what works for me with hopes it might make a big difference for you.