Houseplant Watering 101: Avoid Too Much Of A Good Thing

Joy Us garden
by Joy Us garden
I was an interior plantscaper (which is an interior plant specialist) for years and have lots to share with you on this subject.
I get asked the question “how often should I be watering my houseplants?” all the time and there are so many variables that go into the answer. You know, it’s sort of like trying to answer the question “how often should I wash my hair?”. I was an interior plantscaper (which is an interior plant specialist) for years and have lots to share with you on this subject.


Actually, there is no secret or one thing I can tell you. Plants are living, and like us, have different needs at different times. I’ve maintained 1000’s of houseplants and they all have different needs. It can be confusing but I hope these points will clear up the “watering my houseplants” issue for you. And when I say “avoid too much of a good thing”, I’m referring to water!
I water my houseplant by instinct but here are the points listed in the video which all add in to determining how often to water:


* How warm your house is. Warmer dries out faster. Plants in different rooms can dry out at different times.


* Air circulation. It’s a good thing but stagnant air slows down drying out.


* Amount of sun. More sun, more drying.


* Time of year. In winter, water less often. Your houseplants need to rest in the cooler, darker months.


* Top dressing. Moss or stones on top of the soil slow drying.


* Size of the pot. Smaller pots, like 2 or 4″, will dry out much faster.


* Type of pot. Clay dries out faster than plastic.


* Soil mix. Soils with more perlite &/or lava rock will drain & dry out faster.


* Type of plant. I don’t water all my plants at the same time. Some need watering more often than others. Most interior plants require “average” water which is every 7-14 days, depending on the factors listed above and in the video.


You can check out my book Keep Your Houseplants Alive for plant watering requirements. You can find it at my website: JoyUsgarden.com
This is what you need to consider when figuring out the frequency of watering your houseplants:
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 4 comments
  • Colleen Colleen on Jan 15, 2016
    Excellent tips. Thanks for sharing your knowledge!
    • Joy Us garden Joy Us garden on Jan 18, 2016
      @Colleen My pleasure Colleen! So much depends on the conditions houseplants are growing in. Nell
  • Jean Myles Jean Myles on Jan 15, 2016
    Great info Ty for educating those of us with non green fingers.
    • Joy Us garden Joy Us garden on Jan 18, 2016
      @Jean Myles I'm always happy to share. Just remember, always water your houseplants less in winter - the plants are resting! Nell
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