The Art of Plant Watering to Perfection

Ah, the age-old question: how much do I water my plants, and when? 

You’ve heard it, you’ve thought it. All those who have embarked on the journey of plant parenthood have asked themselves this question when adding new greenery to their collection, whether indoors or out. Being a plant owner comes with responsibilities: chief among them, mastering the art of watering. Giving your plants the right amount of water at the right time is a bit of a balancing act. Too much water can drown them, while too little can leave them parched and wilted. 

What gives? We’re going to spill the soil on plant watering tips that will turn you into a certified plant whisperer (Too much? Either way, you’ll have thriving plants). Grab your cutest watering can and let’s dig in.

HOW MUCH SHOULD I WATER MY PLANTS?

Let’s start with volume. Watering your plants is a more than one-size-fits-all endeavor. Different plants have different water requirements, so it’s essential to know what your leafy friends prefer. 

First, know your plant’s thirst. Research your plant’s specific watering needs. Some, like succulents, prefer a dry spell between waterings. Others, like ferns, like to stay consistently moist. Luckily, when you purchase from The Sun Grove, you’ll receive a complimentary tips + tricks guide to each plant’s care.  

Then, perform the finger test. Stick your finger about an inch into the soil. Is it dry? At that depth, if so,  it’s time to sprinkle some water in there. Hold off for a bit if it’s still moist. The right pot also matters. Choosing the right pot with good drainage is crucial. It prevents water from pooling at the bottom and causing root rot. 

Lastly, your pot type matters. Our plants come in grower pots, which are meant to be temporary containers for your plants, not permanent homes. Plants kept in grower’s pots long-term become root-bound to the container which inhibits their growth, makes disease more likely, and watering trickier. Be sure to transfer to a well-draining pot with a saucer to collect excess water. 

Quick tip: Water your plants in the morning. This allows excess moisture to evaporate during the day, reducing the risk of fungal growth and disease.

HOW OFTEN IS TOO OFTEN TO WATER

Now that you know how much to water, let’s talk about when. Timing is everything when it comes to plant watering. Like, everything. Listen up:

  1. Stick to a schedule. Grab your phone, open your Google Calendar, and set a reminder for every 2 weeks on your house plants. Get specific for your plant’s needs! For example, cacti may need a sip every 2-4 weeks, while tropical plants might need a drink every 1-2 weeks.
  2. Look for signs. Pay attention to your plant’s signals. Do you see drooping leaves on that Monstera Constellation? Is the pot feeling really light? It’s time to water. 
  3. Seasonal shifts: Just as the world seems to slow down during the colder months, many plants do the same when it comes to energy & growth in their state of dormancy. As a result, plants require far less water than they need in the summer.

If you take away just one thing from this section, let it be this: it’s better to underwater than overwater. Overwatering is a common mistake that can lead to root rot and various other problems.

But don’t worry too much! If you give them tender loving care, plants are pretty resilient once you learn their language.

BEST TIPS & TECHNIQUES FOR WATERING

  1. Gently poke holes in your soil to aerate. Yes, it’s as fun as it sounds. Use a fork or a specialized soil aerator to gently loosen compacted soil. This helps water penetrate deeper and promotes healthy root development.
  2. A good misting can do wonders. Some plants, like tropical varieties, appreciate a misting once in a while. It increases humidity and keeps them growing. Don’t go overboard on the other plants (although it does make you feel like a plant pro. We get it.)
  3. Use a narrow watering can spout. Did you know that fungal issues can happen when you splash the leaves while watering? It’s important to be precise, and only water the soil where it’s needed. 

WHAT’S THE DEAL WITH INDOOR VS. OUTDOOR PLANTS?

Whether your plants reside indoors or bask in the great outdoors, here are some specific watering tips for each setting.

Indoor Plant Tips

First, you’ll want to rotate your plants a quarter turn each time you water. It ensures even growth and prevents your plant from leaning toward the light source.

Plants do better in pairs. They need each other, just like humans! Grouping your plants increases humidity, too, which many indoor plants love. Just be mindful not to overcrowd.

Have a tropical plant? Use a humidity tray. Placing a tray of water and pebbles near your plants can help maintain humidity levels, especially during the dry winter months.

Outdoor Plant Tips

Make sure to mulch it up. Apply a layer of mulch around the base of your outdoor plants to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.

Take the time to water thoroughly and deeply. It encourages root growth! Even though it’s quicker, frequent shallow watering can lead to shallow roots, making your plants more susceptible to drought. 

The art of plant parenting is a rewarding journey filled with nurturing, growth, and the occasional leafy hiccup. But with these plant watering tips in your gardening arsenal, you’re well on your way to becoming a pro. Remember, it’s all about finding the perfect balance between hydration and restraint. 

Happy watering!

The Sun Grove Care Team

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