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Watering Houseplants

Watering Houseplants

This Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum) houseplant is being killed with kindness by the family waterer. Too much water kills quicker than too little.This plant likes humidity from a mister or being stood on a damp gravel base but doesn’t want to be flooded.

Watering Houseplants

  • Plants that transpire lots of water from large fleshy or soft leaves need more watering.
  • Plants with frail, rubbery or sticky leaves are generally conditioned to survive with less water. Look at the leaves to learn what works best.
  • Most cacti & succulents with juicy leaves are often able to survive dry spells.
  • Plants that are actively growing need more water and the converse is true in winter when growth is slow they need little or no water.
  • Try aim for evenly moist soil from top to bottom after watering
  • Good drainage in needed for the majority of houseplants so if in doubt err on the side of an open compost
  • Stagnant water is a no-no causing chills, decay and harbouring potential pests.
  • The tepid water with no chemicals is OK or try rain water.
  • Ailing plants should be given only little water and no fertilizer.
  • Gloxinia like other hairy leaved plants dislike water on the leaves as the sun’s heat can be magnified and damage the leaf.

Expert Watering

  • Consider each plant as an individual and treat it according to need.
  • Plants from desert regions generally need less water than jungle plants
  • The same variety near a heater or in a smaller pot will dry out faster than its twin.
  • Clay pots dry faster than plastic pots. Pots in urns dry slower.
  • Large roots can fill a pot leaving no room for moist compost so soak these plants well or consider re-potting. I have just put an Azalea pot inside a wet & larger pot.
  • Moisture meters are available to check the moisture content of soils.
  • Drip watering is popular in greenhouses and can be used for houseplants combined with capilliary matting if desired.
  • Do not be too regimented as to time tables and quantities but do what seems to suit the plant
  • Watch the plants to see how they react and adjust your actions in the future.
  • If all else fails read the instructions on the label.

One thought on “Watering Houseplants

  1. Some great tips about watering. Truly, plants are individuals and their needs are affected by their location and environment.

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