Houseplant Care Series: Water & Humidity
There’s no one-size-fits-all watering schedule for houseplants. While some plants may need water around once a week, it’s much better to check the plant and its soil than to water according to the calendar.
How quickly a houseplant dries out depends on the type of plant, the size of its root system, the container and potting mix, humidity, temperature, and how much light it receives. A plant sitting near a bright, warm window may dry out much faster than the same plant growing in lower light.
How Do I Know When My Plant Needs Water?
Start by checking the soil. Stick your finger about an inch into the potting mix and see whether it feels dry or moist. For many common houseplants, allowing the upper portion of the soil to dry somewhat between waterings is perfectly normal.
But remember—not every houseplant wants the same amount of moisture. Succulents and cacti generally prefer to dry more thoroughly between waterings, while some tropical plants prefer more consistently moist soil.
Instead of waiting for a plant to severely wilt, learn what its soil feels like when it’s ready for another drink.
Don’t Want to Get Dirt Under Your Fingernails?
A moisture meter can be a handy additional tool for checking the soil, especially in larger or deeper containers. Just remember that moisture meters aren’t perfect, so use the reading along with what you know about your particular plant and how the soil feels.
How Do I Water My Plants?
For containers with drainage holes, water the potting mix thoroughly and evenly until excess water begins draining from the bottom of the pot. Allow the container to finish draining, then empty any water remaining in the saucer.
Don’t allow the bottom of the pot to sit in standing water for long periods. Constantly saturated soil can deprive roots of oxygen and contribute to root problems.
Quick Tip: If potting mix becomes extremely dry, it can sometimes pull away from the sides of the container or resist absorbing water. Water slowly and in stages, giving the potting mix time to absorb the moisture. If necessary, repeat until the root ball has been thoroughly moistened.
Should I Mist My Houseplants?
Many popular tropical houseplants appreciate higher humidity, especially during the winter when indoor heating can make the air particularly dry. However, misting isn’t a very effective way to significantly increase humidity around a plant because the added moisture usually evaporates quickly.
Occasional misting may temporarily wet the foliage, but it shouldn’t be considered a substitute for proper watering or adequate humidity. Frequently wet leaves can also encourage certain fungal or bacterial problems, especially when airflow is poor.
Some plants also dislike having their foliage regularly wet, so always consider the needs of the particular houseplant you’re growing.
Increasing Humidity Around Your Plants
If you have humidity-loving houseplants and the air inside your home is particularly dry, there are better ways to increase humidity than frequent misting.
Grouping plants together can create a slightly more humid microclimate around their foliage. A small room humidifier is an even more effective option when plants truly need additional humidity.
Pebble trays are sometimes recommended, but they generally provide only a small and very localized increase in humidity. If you choose to use one, keep the pot elevated above the water rather than allowing the bottom of the container to remain submerged.
When in Doubt, Check the Plant—Not the Calendar!
The biggest takeaway is simple: don’t automatically water every houseplant once a week. Check the soil, learn what your particular plant prefers, and pay attention to how quickly it dries out in your home.
Once you get familiar with your plants, knowing when it’s time to water becomes much easier!