Plant Watering Guidelines

Plants, much like humans, require water in order to stay alive.

Plants need many things in order to thrive, including nutrients and a proper watering schedule. Deciding how much or how little water a plant needs depends on the type of plant you have and the climate it is growing in. Experimenting with different techniques is the best way to discover the right amount of watering needed.

The Right Amount

Any type of plant can die or become damaged if it's over- or under-watered. The roots of houseplants can be located toward the bottom two-thirds of the pot. The soil toward the bottom of the pot should be dry or starting to dry before more watering takes place. Sticking your finger into the soil will determine how dry it is.

Time Frame

The best time to water a plant is in the morning, since the temperature is typically cooler and the water pressure is higher. Watering plants at night is the worst time as they stay wet longer and become more prone to disease. Midday watering on hot days will result in the water evaporating before it can penetrate the soil.

Covering

For added protection, cover the soil underneath your plants with 2 inches of organic mulch. Organic mulches include ground bark or compost. The mulch will retain the moisture from your watering and eventually decompose it. This will enrich your soil and help your plant grow stronger.

References

• Backyard Style: Lawn and Garden Watering Guide
• Texas A&M University Aggie Horticulture: House Plants
• Sunset: Summer Watering Guide

Resources

• ThinkQuest: How Plants Grow