Because this is such fundamental information, it is quite possible that you already know that in order to achieve their full potential, all plants need water, regardless of the color of your thumb.
After all, this knowledge dates back to the first science lesson you took in middle school. But what you may not realize is that if you don’t water your plants properly, you might be putting them in danger of illness and possibly causing their deaths.
It doesn’t matter whether you want to grow gorgeous outdoor perennials or you just purchased a new houseplant; if you pay attention to these best techniques and worst practices for watering plants inside and out, you will be able to harvest healthy and happy examples.
How do Water outdoor plants?
BE SURE to water plants in the morning.
Before the heat of the day, when the soil is cold and the water has the greatest opportunity of soaking through to the roots of plants before evaporating, is the most effective time to water outdoor flowers and vegetables. This is also the most efficient time to water indoor plants. If you water your plants at the beginning of the growing season, they will have a sufficient reserve of moisture under the soil to enable them to survive the heat of a summer day.
DO NOT water the plant an excessive amount or too frequently.
It’s easy to fall into the trap of watering just enough and too often in order to maintain a moist soil condition, especially when the weather is hot.
However, weak surface watering prevents the growth of deep root systems in plants. Instead, go for a method of watering that requires less frequent application but still effectively submerges the ground.
Even though the top of the soil seems dry, using this strategy will inspire the roots to dive deeper into the soil in search of any remaining water. The general rule of thumb is to provide your flowers and veggies with a quantity of water that is comparable to at least 1 inch every week (and perhaps up to double that amount during the heat of the summer season.)
You SHOULD water plants at the same level as the soil.
If you aim water toward the base of your plants, the hydration will reach the parts of the plant that need it the most: the roots. It is a good idea to think about looping a soaker hose between the plants in a flower or vegetable garden so that water may reach the soil more slowly and thoroughly. This will promote healthy development.
DO NOT use sprinklers that have a wide coverage area.
Broadcast sprinklers are inefficient for a number of reasons, including the fact that they saturate the plant’s leaves, which might increase the chances that the plant will get a fungal disease. When it is very warm or windy outside, a significant portion of the water that is dispersed by this kind of sprinkler may evaporate before it ever reaches the plant, resulting in a decreased amount of water reaching the plant’s roots.
Check the amount of moisture present.
When the earth dries out, it may be harmful to the plants in a garden. On the other hand, they do not like to have their “feet wet,” which means that they will suffer if their roots are submerged in water and are not receiving enough oxygen. On a day with high temperatures and high winds, the top layer of soil may seem dry, but the ground underneath may still be damp; thus, it is vital to make a fast check to ensure that you do not overwater the soil.
Have on available a wooden dowel that you may push a few inches into the ground of the garden, after which you can draw it back out and examine the soil. If the soil is wet, the dowel will stay on it, but if it comes out clean, it indicates that the soil is dry and that it is time to water.
You SHOULD water plants that are kept outside in containers at least once a day.
The soil in flower pots and other types of container gardens dries up far more rapidly than the dirt in traditional garden plots or flower beds. The smaller the container, the greater the number of times per day that you will need to water it. First, give the soil in the containers a good soaking in the morning, and then, if the temperature reaches 90 degrees or higher in the afternoon, give the containers another good soaking.
You might also use a device that automatically waters plants and has a hollow spike that connects to a regular plastic water bottle as an alternative. After the spike has been placed in the container, water will begin to trickle down into the soil, providing the plant with a consistent source of moisture.
ALWAYS KEEP IN MIND that trees need water as well.
During the first month after being planted, newly established trees and shrubs should be sprayed with water to the point of saturation two to three times per week. Following that, you should water them once per week throughout their first growing season. During the growth season, when rainfall is limited, established trees and shrubs (those that are at least 2 years old) only need to have their soil moistened once every two weeks.
DO water container plants using a wand rather than a spoon.
A watering wand increases the length of your arm, enabling you to distribute water at soil level above hanging plants as well as in short flower pots on the ground without having to bend or crouch. This saves you time and prevents back strain. By directing just the required quantity of water to the base of the plant, you will not only be able to save water but also save your back.
DO NOT use a spray nozzle that has a jet-like pattern to water container plants.
The spray that is delivered by pressurized nozzles has the potential to cause harm to delicate foliage and blooms. However, these nozzles are quite useful for cleaning up sidewalks and roadways. It is also possible for it to disrupt the soil surrounding the roots of a plant that is contained inside a container. If you do not have a watering wand, you may water hanging pots or containers by removing the nozzle from the end of the garden hose, hooking the hose to the pot or container, and allowing the water to gently drip out.
DO NOT Count on Rain to Save You
The majority of garden plants, flowers, and shrubs thrive when they get at least one inch of water per week, however, they may need more water during hot spells and dry times. Do not rely on rainfall alone to maintain the health of your plants since there is no guarantee that it will provide a sufficient amount of water for them to flourish. Installing a simple rain gauge in the garden and using it to track the quantity of rain that falls on a weekly basis is a better option. In the event that the garden receives less than one inch of rain, further watering will need to be done.
How do Water houseplants?
Don’t overwater.
One of the most common reasons why houseplants die is because they were given too much water. People who are not experienced with indoor plants have a natural inclination to overwater their houseplants because they believe that this is what the plants need. However, doing so improves the probability that the roots may decay and get infected with fungi. If you see drooping stems, drooping leaves, a white coating (fungus), or fungal gnats in the home. Pests that thrive on constantly wet soil—a solid chance that you’re watering plants too often. Fungal gnats thrive on soil that is continually moist.
On the other hand, if the leaves at the bottom of your houseplant get dry and fall off and the margins of the leaves on other parts of the plant grow crisp and brown, this is a sign that the plant is probably not receiving enough water. Once again, consult the soil moisture gauge in order to get the ideal balance.
When caring for houseplants, always use a watering can.
If you try to water a houseplant that has leaves from a drinking glass or carafe, you are almost inviting the water to flow out over the edge onto your furniture or windowsill. The long spout of a watering can not only prevent water from leaking out while you’re using it, but it also enables you to carefully direct water so that it lands at the base of the plant even when you’re watering plants that are growing higher up.
DO NOT water houseplants with water that has been treated or softened.
The salt that is added to the water that comes out of your tap by water softeners in your home might, over time, have a bad impact on the mineral composition of the soil in your houseplants. Your water softener may just connect to the faucets in your house that provide hot water, or it may connect to all of the faucets in your home, regardless of whether they provide hot or cold water. If the second option is more likely (or if you aren’t sure), you should stick to filling your watering can with an exterior faucet in order to reduce the quantity of salt that you are adding to the soil.
BE SURE to choose the appropriate soil.
Houseplants will do best when planted in an indoor potting mix that is formulated specifically for the kind of plant that is being cultivated. It is important to keep in mind that the soil from an outside garden may include pathogens, insects, and fungus that may cause plant illnesses and even bring an infestation of mosquitoes into the home if it is used to fill interior pots. Choose a soilless houseplant mix that consists of peat moss combined with either perlite or vermiculite as the main ingredient. These mixtures are not compact, allowing plant roots to penetrate farther, and often include fertilizer to encourage increased plant development.
Don’t use a potting mix that has an excessive capacity to retain water.
The majority of houseplants need a potting mix that is well-drained and does not stay wet for many hours (or even days) after being watered. When you go to the store to buy a potting mix for houseplants that will be kept indoors, search for options that include either vermiculite, perlite, or coconut coir. The inclusion of all three components in potting mixes contributes to the ventilation of the soil and the promotion of drainage. Use a potting mix that does not include more than one part of peat moss in order to get the optimum drainage possible.
DO test soil moisture.
A simple soil moisture gauge may be purchased for less than twenty dollars, and it can be inserted straight into the soil to determine how dry, moist, or wet the soil is up to several inches deep near the roots of the plant. The rate at which huge houseplants in tiny pots absorb water is much higher than that at which smaller houseplants in larger pots do so. If you apply a moisture gauge instead of following a fixed watering schedule, your plants will get the appropriate amount of water exactly when they need it.
DO NOT place indoor plants in containers that do not have drainage holes.
In order to grow and survive, the majority of houseplants need soil that drains effectively. In the event that water is unable to escape through the bottom of the pot, the plant’s roots run the risk of being soaked in water and decaying. Check the bottom of each houseplant that is potted, and if any of the pots do not have drainage holes, repot the plant into a container that is more suited for it.
Watering should be reduced in the winter and increased in the spring.
The days are shorter in the winter, which means that the amount of ambient light that enters an interior space via windows is reduced. As a consequence of this, photosynthesis, which is the process by which a plant converts light into food, begins to slow down, and the plant enters a resting phase, which is characterized by a decreased need for water. However, the longer days that signify the approach of spring indicate that the plant will begin growing, and at this time, its need for water will rise. Make the necessary adjustments to your routines regarding the watering of plants so as not to create any anguish or thirst.
Remember to empty the water collecting dish before you leave.
When you water your houseplant, the surplus water will almost instantly drain into the collecting tray located underneath it. However, you shouldn’t throw the water out just yet since the plant may reabsorb part of it during the following half an hour. After that, you are free to throw it away. The chance of root rot, a fatal condition for a plant, is increased when a plant is allowed to stay in standing water for an extended period of time.
DO be sure to wick while you’re gone.
When a family goes on vacation for a week or two, the houseplants often go without watering, which may be harmful to even the strongest of indoor vegetation. It is important not to place them in a sink or bathtub that has more than a few inches of water in it since their feet might drown in the water. Wicking is a straightforward method for ensuring that the plant receives the appropriate amount of water without drowning it. Put a big jar filled with water on the ground next to the plant.
You will need to cut a piece of cotton rope or even a strip of absorbent cloth to a length that is sufficient to stretch all the way from the plant to the bottom of the water jar. Insert one end of the stake into the top layer of the soil, and the other end into the water container. While you’re gone, the rope will perform the function of a wick, gradually delivering water to the plant.
FAQ for Watering Plants
Both indoor houseplants and outdoor garden plants may contribute to the elegant design and calmness of a home by incorporating elements of nature into the design. However, they need sufficient water in order to maintain their robust health and appearance. Those who are inexperienced in gardening or the care of houseplants will most certainly have some inquiries.
How often should plants be watered?
You should water your plants once or twice every week, and each time you should use enough water to saturate the soil to a depth of around 6 inches. It is OK for the top layer of the soil to get dry in between waterings, but the soil that lies under the surface should continue to be wet.
Should I water my plants daily?
When the 1 inch of soil is dry, it is a solid sign that the soil needs to be watered. When temperatures rise beyond 85 degrees Fahrenheit, outdoor potted plants, in general, need daily (or sometimes twice daily) watering throughout the summer months, and this is particularly true for those that are grown in containers.
How much water do plants need a day?
There is no need to water plants every single day. Instead, water thoroughly but infrequently at a deeper depth. Deep waterings enable water to infiltrate under the roots, which stimulates the roots to develop downward in the direction.
How long should soil stay wet after watering?
After being watered, the soil should retain its moisture for two to four hours.
After then, the soil should have a wet feel, which is also an indication of its darker color, which should typically continue for more than twenty-four hours.
My final thoughts
In order to thrive, plants need not only light but also oxygen and water. If you water your plants properly, you will have healthy plants inside and outside your house, which will enhance the appearance of your décor and landscape. In order for the garden to successfully produce nutritious fruits and vegetables, consistent watering is also required.
Hey! I’m Madhuresh, a passionate content creator, and a Plant lover. I created Shiny Plant to explore and learn about new plants. The purpose is to provide simple and effective Gardening Tips. Hope you’ll find this informative.