If you either 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 in most ways, watering really holds most of the keys to keeping your houseplants happy and healthy. Whether you are a newcomer to growing indoors or an experienced veteran, grasping the principles of watering will allow you to achieve optimum 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 just simply withered up and died-and I had no idea why. But once I started reading about their different needs, especially on water and light conditions, it all started to shift. More importantly, my way of watering them totally changed, and that is when my indoor garden started to flourish.
With that said, let us now dive in and learn from the experts themselves how to correctly water plants indoors. Sometimes, these few simple techniques can make quite a difference in your houseplants’ health and vitality.
The Importance of Uniform Watering
Even watering is the first step in proper indoor plant care. Even moisture will wet the whole soil, not just the top of it. Over- and underwatering , So many beginners are going to water too much or too little, and both can be detrimental. Keep in mind that the soil should be watered through well and reach the roots, but let us not leave them to soak in water for too long. If this occurs, your plant can be susceptible to root rot, an unfortunately common ailment in the world of indoor plants.
Note: Make sure to always check that your plant pot has proper drainage! If there are no drainage holes, then the excess water will hang at the bottom, which is basically like suffocating the root and after some time it rots.
Drainage Holes in Pots
I highly recommend the usage of pots that have drainage holes, especially if you want to take a real interest in growing plants indoors. 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. I ensure at the time of watering my plants, water has to be perfectly drained before putting them back to their respective places.
If ornamental pots are used, ensure the inner pot has holes, or place a bed of pebbles inside the bottom of the outside pot. This simple trick allows the excess water to pool underneath the roots rather than soak them.
Avoid Overwatering
Overwatering is also one of the most common mistakes made with indoor plants. I did this all myself at the start. I remember how my first watering routine was actually very sparse, and when it finally dawned on me that they really need more water than that I got nervous and overdid all those years of neglect. And now I understand the magic moment: I watered only when there was no moisture left in the soil. For the majority of small- to medium-sized plants, you want to feel about an inch into the dirt. When dry, water. If it is still moist, wait a few more days.
I give it water once a week (i.e., Sundays) but always look at how moist the soil of the plant is. It may dry faster then others but that’s okay. So let your plants talk to you, not just the watering schedule!
Morning Is Best for Watering
Use Rainwater When Possible
Another easy tip for indoor plant growth involves using rainwater instead of tap water, if possible. Sometimes, the tap water will include some chemicals in it that are bad for sensitive houseplants; chlorine is not at all an uncommon chemical. Rainwater is natural and additive-free, the best choice for watering your plants.
If you do not have any rainwater, then you may let the water from the tap sit out overnight to allow any harmful substances to evaporate.
Watering is key, but light is essential too! Learn more in our guide on artificial light for indoor plants.
Creating Humidity for Tropical Plants
When it comes to houseplants, particularly the types that hail from tropical zones (such as ferns and peace lilies), humidity is key. This demand is not easily fulfillable in indoors of the plant. However, it can help to actively monitor the high humidity levels of these plants with periodic spraying or misting. Which means that it attracts moisture from the surrounding atmosphere, effectively creating a microscopic atmospheric pocket around the plants –something that brings the right kind of humidity levels that you will be glad for.
You can also provide additional humidity by clustering house plants together or setting them on trays filled with pebbles and a bit of water. While the water evaporates, it will be creating humidity in their air without getting the soil too soggy.
Using a Moisture Meter for Larger Plants
Monstera or a fiddle-leaf fig, on the other hand there is no way to know if the soil has dried out simply by feeling it. In those situations, I employ a moisture meter to see how damp the ground is at various levels. It actually tells you what the water level is deep in that pot, so you’re not just guessing at how it looks on top.
If you do not have a moisture meter, sniff the soil or surf the old shool by inserting a wooden skewer or stick iniiität into the earth. If it comes out dry, then this is the time of watering else wait a while.
Final Thoughts on Indoor Plant Care
Watering your plants correctly is the first step to their proper care. By following these few rules of thumb-using containers that have drainage, avoiding overwatering, and making sure to water in the morning-you will be giving your houseplants the best opportunity to thrive. Keep in mind that 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 doing this, I’ve seen such a huge difference in the growth and overall health of my plants. Being that you may struggle to grow indoors, I wanted to go over what works for me in hopes it might make all the difference for you.
