Drowning is the number one cause of death for houseplants. We feel that by giving them a drink of water we are showing them love. Houseplants don’t need as much water as we think and there are some tips that will teach us how to prevent over-watering indoor plants.
Keep indoor plants well hydrated without killing them by watching for some of these signs of over-watering and dehydration.
No Schedule
Don’t stick to a strict watering schedule for your indoor plants, water them only when they are thirsty. We all have routines and watering houseplants on a certain morning each week is a part of a normal routine.
Break that habit and prevent over-watering indoor plants by looking for signs of thirst.
Signs of Thirst
- A plant with droopy leaves needs a drink to perk it back up.
- Soil that is dry to the touch and/or is pulling away from the inside of the planter.
- Leaves that are turning yellow, brown, or falling off.
- Pick up the planter, if it feels light the plant is thirsty.
Seasonal Fluctuation
Indoor plants drink more during their active growing season. During the spring and summer houseplants will need more water than they do during the autumn/fall and winter.
Plants need water to grow, plus the hotter weather causes the soil moisture to evaporate more quickly.
A good rule of thumb – more water in the warm weather, less water in cold weather.
Signs of Over-watering
- Soggy soil that has mold or a sour odor.
- Yellow leaves and/or droopy leaves.
- A planter that feels heavy.
- Plant growth slows down.
- Plant develops edema (the leaves and stems swells) and the swollen leaves burst open and spew out the excess water.
- Root rot. Too much water hinders oxygen from circulating through the soil and passing through the roots. The roots soon become stressed, roots rot, and the plant drowns.
- Pest infestation. An over-watered plant is weak and susceptible to pests and diseases.
Planters With Good Drainage
The first line of defense to prevent over-watering indoor plants is to make sure the planter has sufficient drainage holes in the bottom. The drainage holes will allow the water to pass through the soil and drain out of the planter quickly, providing the roots with water to hydrate the plant without drowning it.
Saving The Plant
If the plant is not too far gone it might be salvageable. Withhold water, place the plant in a semi-shady location (so it can rest), trim off dead leaves, and wait. If the plant revives within a week it will survive if you don’t over-water it again.
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