Watering Mistakes You Might Be Making (And How to Fix Them)
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Caring for plants seems like an art. We water them, talk to them, we give them all the sunlight we think they need. Sometimes no matter what we try, plants still look sad and droopy.
Misinformation might be part of the problem. Then, over time, myths about watering plants have started to develop, often leading us down paths that would only make our plants thirstier than they should be. In truth, many of the common plant care myths are doing more harm than good.
If your plants aren’t thriving, maybe you’re making one or more of these watering traps. So maybe there are a few myths that might be working against you, from the “perfect” time of day to just the right amount of water. To water or not to water, let’s clear the air, or should I say the watering can, and get the record straight on how to keep your leafy friends happy and hydrated.
Watering Plants Everyday is Required
One myth that people believe is that plants need to drink everyday to be happy. The real deal is that not every plant seeks constant moisture. This is the case for most plants actually, and is why watering every day can actually lead to root rot and other issues. Instead of rigid schedule, you are supposed to check the soil. It’s probably time to water if it’s dry an inch below the surface.
They All Need the Same Amount of Water
Just like people, different plants need different things. For example, an old cactus will need to be watered differently than a fern. Tropicals require more moisture while cacti and succulents live on less water and will even tolerate dry soil. Learn which of your plants have different needs so they don’t end up with a one size fits all approach.
Plants Only Need Water In the Summer
Indoor plants especially need lots of watering all year round, and many think plants only need watering during hot months. During the winter, heating indoors can dry out the air, but it’s good to check your plants soil moisture. It may be cold outside, but that doesn’t mean your plants aren’t parched.
Misting is Just as Good as Watering the Soil
Misting the leaves won’t give any hydration to the roots, where water really gets absorbed, and will actually add humidity to the air around your plant. Misting alone won’t suffice to get the roots hydrated — regular watering at the soil level is critical to plant health.
Healthier Plants Mean More Water
Watering plants doesn’t make more always better. Too much water can suffocate roots, making it impossible for roots to get oxygen and get root rot. Deep watering often but infrequently is better for the roots to dry up a bit between waterings.
It’s Great to Use Ice Cubes to Water Orchids
This became a popular trick because it’s an easy way to water orchids, but it’s not always the best. Orchids are tropical plants so icy water can shock their roots and cause damage over time. Instead, use room temperature water to give them a gentler drink of liquid.
Watering at Night is Best
It may sound like a good idea, but if you water your plants in the evening, the soil will quite likely still be damp overnight, and this can encourage mold and fungal growth. It’s usually preferable to water in the morning, especially to allow excess moisture to evaporate during the day, keeping your plant healthy.
Houseplants Don’t Need Drainage Holes
But some people think they can do without drainage holes by being ‘extra careful’ to water. Excess water has no place to go, soggier roots are the result. Choose pots with drainage holes, and if you’re worried about spills, use a saucer. Drainage also makes it easier to control watering.
Plants Can Run With Soft Water
The water from a water softener might sound harmless, but the added salts slowly build up in soil and harm your plant’s roots. If you can’t avoid softening your water, it’s better to let the water sit a while so some of the salt will settle out, or use filtered water.
It Doesn’t Matter If Cold Tap Water is Used
Plants can take a jolt from cold water, especially tropical varieties. Natural rain is lukewarm or room temperature and they respond better to lukewarm or room temperature water. If it is too chilly, don’t waste water, let the water sit out for a bit before watering. It will help your plants feel the temperature boost.
Watering More Frequently Than Usual Prevents Brown Leaf Tips
Brown leaf tips can be a sign of dryness, but more often they are symptomatic of salts, chemicals, or mineral build ups in the soil. Turning things upside down with overwatering to ‘‘fix’’ the issue can backfire. Getting rid of these crispy tips will require you to occasionally flush your plants with clean, room temperature water and add some breathing time between watering.
It’s Good to Let Plants Sit in Water
It might seem harmless to leave a plant planted in standing water, but constant moisture exposure will lead to root rot and many other problems. Water plants well, but not to the point where they soak in water. Once you’ve watered, don’t let excess sit in saucers or trays so roots don’t get overwatered.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
