Knowing When to Water Houseplants
Proper watering is important to keeping our plants, indoors and out, healthy. But knowing when to water houseplants has sent many gardeners running to the silk plant aisle of the garden center.
Don’t let this task stop you from starting or expanding your indoor garden. Instead, use your finger as a moisture meter. Poke it into the top inch of potting mix. When the potting mix is just starting to dry it is time to water most houseplants. Water thoroughly and pour the excess out of the saucer. Or place pebbles in the saucer to elevate the pot above the excess water.
Soon you will be able to abandon the finger test for visual clues. Water plants when the leaves look a bit less perky, not yet wilting, and a bit off color. Or use the lift test. You’ll find the pot will be much lighter when the plant is in need of water.
A bit more information: When potting mixes dry out they are often hard to rewet. Place your houseplant in a container of lukewarm water until the potting mix is thoroughly moistened.
Related
Audio
Categories
Upcoming Live Events
& Webinars
March 27, 2024
FREE WEBINAR
How to Start a Garden for Beginners
Register now
April 3, 2024
Garden Trends
Franklin Public Library, Franklin, WI
April 10, 2024
FREE WEBINAR
Container Gardening Throughout the Year
Register now
April 11, 2024
FREE WEBINAR
7 Steps to Managing Water Where it Falls in Your Yard
Register now
April 17, 2024
Landscaping for Birds:
A Gardener’s Perspective
Glendale, WI
April 18, 2024
Be a Waterwise Gardener
Golden Rondelle Theater, Racine, WI
Register now
April 20, 2024
Pruning Hydrangeas and Other Shrubs
Pasquesi Home & Gardens, Lake Bluff, IL
April 27, 2024
Ridges & Rivers Book Festival
Viroqua, WI
April 28, 2024
Flowering Trees and Shrubs
Ebert's Greenhouse Village, Ixonia, WI
May 1, 2024
FREE WEBINAR
Ornamental Fruits and Vegetables
Register now
May 9, 2024
FREE WEBINAR
How to Plant Your Rain Garden
Register now
WATCH ON-DEMAND WEBINARS
Learn More