I get asked the question “how often should I be watering my houseplants?” all the time and there are so many variables that go into the answer. You know, it’s sort of like trying to answer the question “how often should I wash my hair?”. I was an interior plantscaper (which is an interior plant specialist) for years and have lots to share with you on this subject.
Be sure to check out my updated & more detailed guide to watering indoor plants. I give you things to consider as well as answer questions.
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Actually, there is no secret or one thing I can tell you. Plants are living, and like us, have different needs at different times. I’ve maintained 1000’s of houseplants and they all have different needs. It can be confusing but I hope these points will clear up the “watering my houseplants” issue for you. And when I say “avoid too much of a good thing”, I’m referring to water!
Some Of Our General Houseplant Guides For Your Reference:
- Guide To Watering Indoor Plants
- Beginner’s Guide To Repotting Plants
- 3 Ways To Successfully Fertilize Indoor Plants
- How to Clean Houseplants
- Winter Houseplant Care Guide
- Plant Humidity: How I Increase Humidity For Houseplants
- Buying Houseplants: 14 Tips For Indoor Gardening Newbies
- 11 Pet-Friendly Houseplants
This is what you need to consider when figuring out the frequency of watering your houseplants:
Here are the points listed in the video which all add in to determining how often to water:
Type of houseplant
Do a little research because some need watering less frequently than others.
How warm your house is
Warmer dries out faster. Plants in different rooms can dry out at different times.
Air circulation
It’s a good thing but stagnant air slows down drying out.
Amount of sun
More sun, more drying.
Time of year
In winter, water less often. Your houseplants need to rest in the cooler, darker months.
Top dressing
Moss or stones on top of the soil slow drying.
Size of the pot
Smaller pots, like 2 or 4″, will dry out much faster.
Type of pot
Clay dries out faster than plastic.
Soil mix
Soils with more perlite &/or lava rock will drain & dry out faster.
Type of plant
I don’t water all my plants at the same time. Some need watering more often than others. Most interior plants require “average” water which is every 7-14 days, depending on the factors listed above and in the video. You can check out our book Keep Your Houseplants Alive for plant watering requirements.
If you’re totally frustrated with watering your houseplants, here are some options to help you: a watering meter, an app on your phone (yes, there are apps to remind you), the good old calendar and self-watering containers.
Be sure to check out my updated & more detailed guide to watering indoor plants. I give you things to consider as well as answer questions.
Big Red Flag!
Don’t be a “hit and run” waterer. Splashing a plant every 2 days is not how it likes to be watered. Most people overwater their houseplants and kill them with kindness.
I’ve always believed that it’s better to err on the side of too little water than too much water. Do you struggle to keep houseplants alive?
