How Often Should You Water Your Houseplants?
Overwatering kills more houseplants than anything else. Learn the simple finger test and the signs your plant is asking for water.
The most common question we hear at Leafy is: how often should I water my plant? The honest answer is that there is no fixed schedule. How much water a plant needs depends on the species, the size of the pot, the type of soil, the amount of light and the season. Instead of watering every Sunday, learn to read your plant and its soil.
The finger test
Push your finger into the soil up to the second knuckle, about five centimetres. If it feels dry at that depth, most tropical foliage plants are ready for water. If it still feels damp, wait a few more days and check again. Succulents and cacti, such as aloe vera and haworthia, should dry out completely before you water them.
Water deeply, then let it drain
When you water, water thoroughly until it runs out of the drainage hole. This makes sure the whole root ball gets wet, not just the top layer. Then empty the saucer after fifteen minutes. Roots sitting in water cannot breathe and will start to rot.
Signs of overwatering
- Yellow leaves, especially the lower ones
- Soil that stays wet for more than a week
- Soft, mushy stems or a musty smell
- Small flying insects called fungus gnats
Signs of underwatering
- Drooping or curling leaves that recover after watering
- Crispy brown leaf edges
- Soil pulling away from the sides of the pot
Adjust with the seasons
In spring and summer, plants grow actively and drink more. In autumn and winter, growth slows down and most plants need roughly half as much water. Heating can dry out the air, but it usually does not dry the soil as fast as summer sun does.
Always use a pot with a drainage hole. It is the single best way to prevent watering problems.