The fact that plants need water to survive and thrive is a commonly known one. Even at school, you were taught that all flora need hydrogen and oxygen to nourish themselves and keep budding leaves and flowers flourishing.
However, it’s crucial to note that simply giving your greenery water is not enough. In reality, plants have different structures and different living requirements. This means they need different watering schedules. Some plants may need water more frequently than others.
To guide you on your journey to watering your plants to optimum health, we’ve compiled this quick guide on plant watering for you.
The Basic Rules for Plant Watering
Regardless of the plant you are trying to grow, here are some fundamental rules you should follow:
After repotting a plant, it must be watered
Plants in large pots typically dry out more slowly than those in smaller pots. This is because they hold more soil volume; when they hold more soil volume, they also tend to hold more water. Considering this, you should water plants in larger pots less often than those in bigger ones.
Plants under direct sunlight or bright daylight dry out more quickly than those in low light. Considering this, the former requires more watering.
You should consider the humidity in the air when determining your watering schedule. Humid air can keep the soil moist for a longer period, so you may water your plants less frequently.
What Water Does to Your Plant
Water is indeed important for plants to grow. However, it pays to know exactly how it helps your greenery grow and thrive.
On that note, here some crucial things water does to your plants:
It helps cool your plants down and move minerals to the right places.
It provides your plants with structural support and keeps them standing upright. When vegetation lacks enough water, the cells inside them deflate, making the shrub or undergrowth look wilted.
Smart Tips for Watering Your Plants
Plant watering isn’t simply the act of giving your flora some aqua when you feel like doing so. If you want to truly let your plants live, you have to follow these watering tips:
1. Check the Soil Before Watering
Rather than refer to a strict watering schedule, it’s best to check the soil first. If it has become dry within two inches from the surface, it’s high time to bring out your sprinkler.
With that said, you should know that common houseplants may need more frequent waterings. However, make sure that you do not overwater them. If you aren’t sure, always feel the soil with your finger before proceeding.
2. Pay Attention to the Seasons
In summer, since the sun is more intense, you will have to water your plants more frequently. This is especially true for succulents as they need to be watered more than the usual in the hotter months.
If you have ferns and tropical plants, make sure that the humidity levels stay high during summer. This is because they thrive well in moist conditions.
3. Pour the Water Right Onto the Soil
You’ll want the water you give your plants to reach their roots easily. With this, always remember to pour the aqua directly onto the soil. Do not splash water onto your plant’s leaves as it may evaporate off of the leaf, consequently drying it out.
However, there’s no harm in spraying water directly onto your orchid, air plant, or a fern as they appreciate the added humidity.
Conclusion
Although water is important for plants, they need the right amount to grow well and flourish. Furthermore, different species require different types of watering routines. It is for this reason that understanding at least the basics of plant watering is crucial. Diligently studying all of these details will enable you to take better care of your flora and eventually grow a thriving garden!
Sunshine Coast Plants is your reliable source for tips on plant care. Aside from that, we also specialise in offering quality indoor and outdoor plants and delivering them straight to your home. Shop from us today and allow us to take the hassle out of getting your plants home!
