Most of the time when people notice their houseplants getting droopy or discolored, it’s a watering issue.
Too little water and your plant will lack the nutrients it needs to grow strong.
But too much water and its roots will be deprived of oxygen.
“It’s not a one-size-fits-all for watering.
“Use your finger like you would a cake test,” McCullough says.
If the soil is totally dry to the touch, it needs water.
If it’s still wet, move on and wait to water another day.
If you don’t, the soil is pretty dry.”
For those who don’t want to get dirty, usinga chopstickfor this would work too.
No matter the tool you’re using for this method, it’s important to really get in there.
Don’t just graze the surface level of the soil; get down to root level.
Use a moisture probe.
For an extra level of assurance, you’ve got the option to buy a moisture probe.
Any less than a 3 and the soil is dry and needs to be watered.
Getting a similar reading throughout the plant shows that you’re doing a good job watering evenly.
Feel how much your plant weighs.
Another way to gauge if your plant needs water is to lift it up.
Then, lift between waterings to get a sense of how it’s doing.
Checking on your plants regularly will ensure that you’re giving them water right when they need it.
Water less often, but more thoroughly.
Watering less frequently but more thoroughly is usually better for your plants, McCullough and Thompson agree.
Plants tend to prefer a good soak over a quick drink.
Wait until you see water coming out of your pot’s drainage hole.
Then, give your plant a few minutes to drink up the water that’s collected in its saucer.
If there’s any water left after 15 minutes, dump it in the sink.
Your plant doesn’t need it, and leaving it sitting there could drown out the roots.
Use room-temperature water.
Water that is too hot or too cold could shock your plant.
Look out for signs of overwatering.
Thompson says that overwatering is the No.
Don’t give it water."
Outdoor container plants tend to dry out quicker than those in the ground.
For garden plants, water thoroughly, until the surrounding soil is moist.
