How to properly water indoor plants

Watering houseplants is one of the most important factors for healthy plant growth. However, many people have difficulty determining the amount of water needed and the appropriate watering frequency. Watering too much or too little can lead to plant health problems such as rotten roots, yellow leaves, or wilting. Below are detailed instructions for you to water your indoor plants properly.

1. Check Soil Moisture Before Watering

Before watering, check the soil moisture to make sure the plant needs water. A simple way is to stick your finger about 2-3 cm into the soil. If the soil feels moist, you don’t need to water yet. On the contrary, if the soil is dry, you can water the plant.

Many houseplants, especially succulents, can tolerate dry soil for a while, but overwatering will quickly harm the plant. Checking the humidity regularly helps you water correctly and avoid root rot.

2. Water the Right Amount

Watering indoor plants needs to be done in moderation. Not all plants need the same amount of water, so understanding each plant’s water needs is important. A general rule is to water until water begins to drain from the drainage holes in the bottom of the pot. This ensures that the entire potting soil is evenly soaked with water.

If your pot doesn’t have drainage holes, water slowly so the soil can soak up the water without becoming waterlogged. Avoid letting water pool in the bottom of the pot, as this can cause root rot and mold.

3. Watering Frequency

Watering frequency depends on many factors such as plant type, habitat, and season of the year. Succulent plants like cacti and succulents only need watering 1-2 times per week in summer and even less in winter. Meanwhile, large green plants such as betel nut, snake plant or peace lily need to be watered more often, about 2-3 times per week.

You should adjust watering frequency based on air humidity, temperature, and the amount of light the plant receives. Plants grown indoors, especially in air-conditioned areas, often lose water more slowly, so they need less watering than outdoors.

4. Water at the Right Time

The best time to water plants is in the morning or evening. Watering early in the morning helps plants absorb water effectively and prepare well for a new day. Meanwhile, watering in the evening, especially on hot summer days, helps keep plants hydrated throughout the night.

Avoid watering at midday when the sun is intense, because the water will evaporate quickly and the plant may suffer heat shock. Also, if the leaves are still wet after watering at night, make sure they are dry before dark to avoid mold growth.

5. Use Percolation or Drip Irrigation

To optimize the watering process, you can use percolation or drip irrigation. Percolation irrigation is a method of watering from the bottom up by placing the potted plant in a water tray, letting the water seep through the drainage hole at the bottom of the pot. This helps water penetrate evenly into the roots without wetting the leaves or causing waterlogging of the soil surface.

Drip irrigation is an ideal method for plants that require regular but low watering, helping to keep humidity stable and avoid wasting water.

Indoor plants

Properly watering indoor plants is important for them to grow healthy and lush. By checking the soil moisture, watering the right amount, adjusting the frequency and choosing the right watering time, you can ensure that your plants always get enough water without drowning their roots. Try these watering methods to help your houseplants grow at their best!