Even if it seems an easy task to do, watering the apartment plants is a major responsibility that many of us don’t complete successfully. As a matter of fact, the main cause of withering and drying of apartment plants is inadequate watering. You must know when you houseplants need more or less water!
How to evaluate soil moisture?
Apartment plants can be grown in any type of pot, but some containers are much more suited than others. Thus, ceramic pots are porous and quickly drain moisture from the soil, so the plants dehydrate faster.
However, if the pot is enamel, made of metal, glass, plastic or other non-porous material, the soil will keep its moisture. Since these containers retain the water, it’s best to water the plants carefully not to overwater them.
Also, it’s very important that the pots have drainage holes, which allow the elimination of water. Plants grown in containers without such holes should be watered less frequently.
When you know the plant is overwatered?
Usually, the stem and leaves of the plant are the main indicators of the hydration level. Thus, if the plant is excess watered, it will have jelly roots with an unpleasant odor, the young leaves will fall along with the mature leaves, the flowers will be wilted, and brown spots will appear on the leaves not leaving them to develop anymore. In addition, you will notice water in the pot, which won’t drain.
Also, when the plant is overwatered, it will favor the growth of fungi and bacteria that attack the plant’s roots.
When you know the plant is dehydrated?
When a plant is dehydrated, it grows very slowly, the leaves become translucent, curve, yellow, and in the end they will fall. Other signs of lack of water are leaves and flowers that dry out and fall prematurely. Also, all leaves start to have brown spots on them.
When plants need plenty of water?
As a general rule, apartment plants shouldn’t be watered daily. You have to wait for the signs they send to you and give them water when they need it. Over time, you will learn to appreciate the right time for watering.
But there are certain moments when the plant needs intensive hydration. Thus, when it’s in the development period, it has many young leaves and buds, the plant must be watered daily, so that the soil in the pot to be permanently wet.
Plants also need plenty of water when they have thin and delicate leaves due to temperature variations.
They also need to be watered more frequently if they have recently been transplanted into a new pot or are in a dry climate.
When plants need less water?
Houseplants need less water when they are in the immediate aftermath of flowering, they are located in cool or humid places or when grown in plastic or metal containers.
Careful! For watering plants, water temperature is an essential factor. Thus, the optimum water temperature is 68 degrees.
Image Credits: Gardeningknowhow