Although there is no universal watering method, since the need for water depends on the location of the plant, types, climate, soil, among other variables, there are some golden rules that you can follow while you know the particularities of your plant.
The Importance of Proper Watering
Water is not only necessary for the plant to synthesize its own food, but it provides structural support, regulates temperature, and dissolves minerals from the soil so that they reach the right place.
Plant cells can be compared to a balloon, which uses water to keep itself inflated. For this reason, when the plant is properly hydrated, it stays upright and firm. When it lacks water, the plant looks a little droopy, the leaves point downwards. This is a sign that you are short of water.
When you water your plant, a process called transpiration occurs, in which it is evaporated by the water that comes out of the leaves through pores called stomata. Water is usually taken from the roots, but in its absence it will be taken from the leaves. This is why the leaves are usually the first to be affected when they have not been watered, they look droopy and then they will dry out and fall, should the drought continue.
Watering 101: The Basics
- It's better to have a lack of water in your plant than to have too much. In other words, it is less serious to forget to water it a little than to water it too much. This is because excess water can concentrate in the substrate, and those excessive levels of moisture can rot the roots and this is irreversible.
- When watering your plants, try to use enough water. The substrate should be moist, even inside the pot. Too little watering will be shallow and will not reach the roots.
- It is preferable to water either very early in the morning or late afternoon. This prevents the high temperatures of the day from evaporating water too quickly, will protect the leaves from burning, and give the plants enough time to absorb moisture. In addition, you will save water as watering may be less frequent.
- If the soil is too dry, water will immediately drain out of the drainage holes and not reach the roots. In this case, start watering slowly and in small amounts. This will allow the substrate to be properly moistened.
- Prevent water from falling on the leaves and flowers of plants. Not all plants tolerate moisture on the leaves well, there are some that burn, discolor, and could even develop fungus-related diseases.
If you are not sure how to care for the plant according to its species, you can follow the basic rule: water when the substrate is dry. Touch the soil with your fingers, sink it a few inches, and check the humidity levels.
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Watering the most popular plants
- Pothos is a very hardy plant, which has become one of the favorites of our generation, especially because they are very easy to care for. Although they withstand humid conditions, it is best to let the soil dry out between waterings, as too much turns the leaves yellow. A trick to make it beautiful: spray its leaves with the help of a spray bottle with lukewarm to lukewarm water.
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- The zamioculca plant or ZZ plant prefers rather dry and well-drained soils, it withstands droughts very well, as it stores moisture in its leaves and stems. It doesn't tolerate too much water, so you should be careful that its leaves don't turn yellow.
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- Pilea peperomioides or Chinese Money Plant is very popular as it is said to attract good luck. Watering has to be frequent, as it lives best in moist soils. Make sure the substrate never gets too dry. You can supplement the care of the money plant with a water spray on the leaves.
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- The Brazil trunk plant is a plant of the dracena family that requires moderate to little watering. Try to water it only when the top layer of the substrate looks almost completely dry, to prevent the roots from rotting. Meet your indoor ambient humidity requirements with a water spray on the leaves a couple of times a week.
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- Monstera deliciosa or Adam's rib is a tropical plant that requires moderate watering. As an indicator, you can wait for the substrate to dry out before watering. It tolerates too little water better than too much, so it's best to wait for the soil to dry out a bit. You can spray the leaves in the summer so that they remain radiant.
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The various types of succulents and cacti prefer dry, well-draining soils as they are susceptible to waterlogging. Water when you notice that the plant looks a little droopy or thin, or that the substrate is very dry.
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The frequency of watering plants is determined by many factors, so you must develop observation and attention, so that you discover the right time to water. There are people who can tell when their plants are short of water by lifting the pot and checking the weight.
It's a matter of time and patience, but you'll understand what your plant needs.