All opinions in this post are my own. I am not paid or sponsored by brands mentioned or linked in the below post.
We've all been there: brown tips, yellow tips, squishy and rotted roots, and crunchy leaves. With plant parenthood comes the never-ending struggle to listen to your plants' watering needs. The extreme weather months like July and January throw off whatever water schedule we think we finally figured out for our plants. Many of my plants' causalities are the result of these seasonal transitions. I am by NO means a watering expert and I still overwater and underwater, but there are a few tips that I can give you if you are completely at a loss for watering!
Signs to look for when your plants are thirsty:
1. Dry soil two inches down.
Most of you have probably already heard of the "finger trick" for your plants. Countless numbers of plant parents recommend this; you stick your index finger and feel two inches into the soil. If the soil sticks to your finger when you bring it back up, it has enough water in the soil. If the soil falls off your finger, your plant may need water.
For me, this trick didn't work for all of my plants, especially succulents, but it is still a good place to start. For bigger plants, two inches down may not be deep enough to check for water in the soil. For smaller plants, two inches down might be too deep and your plant has gone too long without water. Like me, you may have also chosen the wrong size pot for your plant. Your small plant in a big pot may be bone dry at the top soil, but drowning at the bottom.
This trick can get the job done, but should not be the only thing you base your plants' watering needs off of.
2. Drooping leaves and brown, crispy tips.
While not the best sign to look for, this has helped me for plant varieties like peace lilies, monsteras, philodendrons, and pothos. These plants are hardy enough to recover from droopy leaves and brown tips, so you may consider looking at your monstera's posture to tell you when to water.
Unfortunately, as you've probably experienced, the symptoms of both overwatering and underwatering often overlap. Drooping could actually be caused by the plant tipping over due to roots rotting from extended water exposure. Brown tips may also show when your plant is in need of humidity (not extra soil moisture), when it is getting burnt by too much light, or is sitting too close to the air and heating vent. This craziness and easy confusion over plant symptoms is why I don't recommend following one way of watering. Test each method out!
3. Distinct gap between soil and pot.
In my experience, this is one thing that I noticed in my Sansevieria plant pots as they got nearer to needing water. When completely dry, the soil stays in a clump creating the separation between pot and soil. I've found that this method is very reliable if you are worried about overwatering. However, it may be difficult if underwatering is your demon because some plants may have waited too long to be watered by the time this gap shows.. Then you find your plant dead and crusty because you waited too long. Once again, pay attention to multiple symptoms!
4. Weight of plant pot is much lower.
I discovered that this is the BEST method for me for both overwatering and underwatering concerns. It's simple, if the plant is heavy, it has enough water. If the plant is light, it needs water. If you are just starting out using this method, take note of the weight of the plant pot after it is thoroughly watered and properly drained. As time goes on, the plant will take up water out of the soil and the weight will begin to decrease. I suggest using this method as an excuse to hold your plants and cuddle with them a lot. The more you get acquainted with what their weight feels like in your hands, the better! This trick is particularly nice when you have a lot of the same-sized pots. I've got it down for all of my four-inch pots!
5. Digits on the moisture meter.
I've yet to use a moisture meter, but I've seen almost everyone recommend one. There's been good results in the plant community. You can find them all over Amazon or in your local gardening center. I'm going to be honest, I have no clue how it works since I haven't tried it out yet, but I do know all you have to do is stick it in the soil and it tells you! This is perfect if you don't trust your own discernment of your plants' watering needs. Instead, you can leave it up to the plant technology experts! It is a $15 investment, and might just be worth it for the long run!
A Flow Chart to Help Guide You Through Watering
If you want a quick guide to these methods, here's a flow chart to help you first get started! Again, this is to help you in the beginning. As you get more familiar with your plants' watering needs you may not need it anymore! You may eventually find that not all plant species droop when thirsty or that not all plants have a gap in the soil and pot. This flow chart should not be used exclusively, but should be used more as a guide. You understand your plants more than anyone else! :)
Along with all these methods, you should help your plants out so that they have the best chances of escaping overwatering and underwatering.
Set your plant up for success:
Correct soil
Choosing a soil that drains enough for your succulents or traps enough moisture for your ferns is crucial for plant success. Miracle Grow has a great succulent mix that drains well. I even like to add a little bit of pumice or perlite for extra-added drainage. For plants that like moisture, I like to add peat moss to any generic houseplant potting mix in the garden center. Typical potting soil works just as well for houseplants and you can add pumice or peat moss to the mix to tailor it to your plants' specific needs. I even discovered a potting soil at Target that works great too! If you want more help and instructions with soil mixtures, @planterina makes informative and very helpful YouTube videos!
Soil aeration
Sometimes soils can become too compact and the plant feels like it cannot breathe. By (gently) poking holes in the soil before and after you water, you can help water and oxygen travel in the soil. You don't need anything fancy for this. Use a chopstick, pen, pencil, or skewer sticks. Just be careful not to damage the roots. Aim away from the center of the plant and slowly poke the soil to prevent damage.
Correct pot size
Too big of a pot can cause a plant to drown because the water isn't be used up as much and it's just sitting in water. Too small of a pot can cause underwatering as the plant has less soil and absorbs water faster. Research how your plants' roots grow! Are they shallow like string of hearts or do they reach deep like pothos? Do they like to be compact like ZZ's or widespread like philodendrons? Next time you pot your plant, take note of what their root system looks like.
Pots with drainage holes
If your plant cannot drain properly, it will be drowned. A drainage hole is the number one thing I'd recommend for plant success. Without a drainage hole, your plant will suffer. I understand though that new pots can be expensive and you may not be able to replace every pot you have (trust me, I know. College student here). Your plant can survive without a drainage hole, but you have to be very attentive. If your pot doesn't have drainage holes, only water a little bit at a time. If you are able to buy new pots, an affordable option are terracotta pots. You can find 4-inch ones for a dollar at most garden centers. You can also keep your pretty non-drainage pots and, instead, pot your plant in a nursery planter. Place it in the non-drainage pot for decor, and just take out the plant when watering it. Here's a 100 pack of nursery pots for $13. Share the extras with your plant friends!
Figure out the plants' lighting needs
This is easier said than done and can be very difficult to figure out what kind of light is in your house (I'm still figuring it out). Try to place plants in areas where they can get at least some light. For example, don't stick your succulent or cactus in the darkest corner of your house. If your bathroom has no windows, it would be best to skip plants in that area and opt for *gasp* a fake one (don't knock them until you try them!). Better yet, get a grow light to help out plants that you think may be needing more light! Darryl Cheng at @houseplantjournal is amazing at explaining the different types of light (bright indirect, low light, etc.). I even bought his book, The New Plant Parent, that explains everything you need to know about lighting!
You will most likely experience plant casualties when figuring out watering, but I promise, it WILL get easier. Don't get discouraged if you lose a plant to incorrect watering, we've all been there. Even the plant parents with the most expertise still struggle.
Good luck planty people,
What are some ways you've been able to tell your plants' watering needs? Leave a comment below!