How often should you water houseplants?
Overwatering is the number one killer of houseplants. Learn to read your plants instead of following a schedule.
There's no single answer to "how often should I water?" It depends on the plant, the pot, the light and the season. The good news is that a few simple checks tell you exactly when.
The finger test
Push a finger into the compost. For most houseplants, water when the top 2 to 3 cm feel dry. For succulents and cacti, wait until the pot is dry almost all the way down.
Lift the pot
A freshly watered pot is noticeably heavy. Lift your plants regularly and you'll quickly learn the difference between wet and dry.
How to water
Water thoroughly until it runs out of the drainage holes, then empty the saucer after 15 minutes. A deep, occasional soak is better than frequent sips.
Seasonal changes
Plants grow less in winter, with less light and cooler temperatures, so they need much less water. Many plants that need weekly watering in summer only need it every 2 to 3 weeks in winter.
Signs of overwatering
- Yellowing lower leaves
- Soft, mushy stems
- Compost that smells sour
- Fungus gnats flying around the pot
Signs of underwatering
- Crispy brown leaf edges
- Drooping that recovers after watering
- Compost pulling away from the sides of the pot
