If you have developed a brood of leafy plant babies over the last few months, you’ll know just how tricky it can be to keep them all happy.
Every plant needs a different amount of light and shade, warmth, humidity, food and, of course, water.
And watering can be the trickiest part. We have already shared what can happen if you overwater your plants (hint – it’s not good), but with so many different tips and tricks flying around, it can be hard to know how to water your plants properly.
Should you be dousing them every week? Testing the soil? Misting with a spray bottle? Resting them on a dish of water?
Everyone seems to have their own methods, so it can be really hard to figure out what is best for your plants.
Thankfully, Lynette from HeyPlants, an online marketplace for independent and local plant sellers, has shared her expert tips for keeping your plants happy and hydrated.
Timing is important
Water in the morning, as this gives the plant time to dry out during the day. You don’t want the soil to stay too damp and attract bugs and diseases.
Adapt your watering routine according to season. Summer may call for a more frequent watering schedule versus winter.
Where you put the water matters
Ensure water is able to get down to the root by applying water directly to the soil.
You should be able to see water come out through the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot.
However, do not let it sit in that pool of water, excess water should be drained away.
It is better to water thoroughly, rather than frequently.
Should you try 'bottom watering'?
What is ‘bottom watering’?
This is where you water your plants from the bottom up.
It can mean that the roots get stronger because they grow down directly toward the moisture.
It’s also a way to guarantee that the moisture in the soil reaches all the way to the bottom the roots.
Done correctly, this method can suitable for any potted indoor plant.
How to ‘bottom water’ your plants
Use the ‘knuckle method to test if your plant needs water.
If you push your finger into the soil and you can’t feel any moisture by the second knuckle, your plant needs watering.
To ‘bottom water your plant’, find a container that’s big enough to hold the plant and pot, fill it halfway with clean water.
Leave your plant in there for ten minutes.
Do the ‘knuckle test’ again and if the soil still feels dry, leave the plant for around 10 more minutes.
Make sure you also pour water over the top of the plant once a month to rinse the soil properly.
What about the leaves?
Give an occasional sprinkling of water over the leaves followed by a wipe down with a cloth to remove dust and keep the plant clean.
Avoid overwatering
You should test the soil before watering to see if it is still damp. If the soil is wet, leave it a few days before watering again. Otherwise you can risk mould developing.
If your green thumb is still ‘in development’, you can also invest in a soil moisture meter. This will tell you whether the plant needs watering and should give you an indication as to whether your watering methods are working.
What about misting?
Misting plants regularly or taking them into the bathroom for extra humidity is a topic of contention (some believe that misting can lead to problems, like the spread of pests and pathogens).
If you have a topical plant and your current watering routing isn’t working, then it could be worth trying regular misting, if conventional methods of watering aren’t working for you.
How to mist your plants
- Use tepid water and mist in the morning so the leaves have a chance to dry out during the day.
- Mist on the top and undersides of the leaves; they should look as if there has been a light dew.
- Some plants can be misted daily, others only need it once or twice a week.
- Keep humidity-loving plants away from drafts, windows, doors and heating and air-conditioning ducts.
There are many other factors that play into how your plant thrives – including the temperature in your own home and the location of your plant. What works for someone else may not necessarily work for you.
And, of course, each plant is different so do some research into your plant to create a more tailored approach.
Do you have any plant hacks to share? We want to hear from you.
Get in touch: metrolifestyleteam@metro.co.uk.
MORE: Eight houseplants that are notoriously hard to kill
MORE: How to know if you are overwatering your houseplants
MORE: Retired nurse aims to raise thousands with 102nd charity walk on her 102nd birthday
source https://metro.co.uk/2020/09/11/how-to-water-your-plants-correctly-13255788/
0 Comments