Don't let them die of thirst: learn when to water plants

Although there is no universal watering method, as the need for water depends on the plant's location, type, climate, soil, among other variables, there are some golden rules that you can follow as you get to know the particularities of your plant.

The importance of adequate watering

Water is not only necessary for the plant to synthesise its own food, but it provides structural support, regulates temperature and dissolves minerals in 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 stands upright and firm. When it lacks water, the plant looks a little droopy, the leaves point downwards. This is a sign of a lack of water.

When you water your plant, a process called transpiration occurs, in which water evaporates from the leaves through pores called stomata. The water is usually taken from the roots, but in their absence it will be taken from the leaves. This is why the leaves are usually the first to be affected when it has not been watered, they look droopy and then become dry and fall off if the drought continues.

Watering 101: the basics

- It is better for your plant to be under-watered than over-watered. In other words, it is less serious to forget to water it a little than to overwater it. This is because excess water can concentrate in the substrate, and those excessive moisture levels can rot the roots and this is irreversible.

- When watering your plants, be sure to use enough water. The substrate should remain 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 in the late afternoon. This prevents the high daytime temperatures from evaporating the water too quickly, protects the leaves from burning and gives the plants enough time to absorb the moisture. In addition, you will save water as watering can be less frequent.

- If the soil is too dry, water will immediately run out of the drainage holes and will not reach the roots. In this case, start watering slowly and in small amounts. This will allow the substrate to moisten properly.

- Avoid getting water on the leaves and flowers of the plants. Not all plants tolerate moisture on the leaves well, some will burn, discolour and may even develop fungal diseases.

If you are not sure how to care for your plant according to its species, you can follow the basic rule: water when the substrate is dry. Feel the soil with your fingers, moisten it a few centimetres and check the moisture levels.

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Watering the most popular plants

- The poto is a very hardy plant, which has become a favourite of our generation, mainly because they are so easy to care for. While they can withstand wet conditions, it is best to let the soil dry out between waterings, as excess will turn the leaves yellow. A trick to make it beautiful: spray its leaves with warm to lukewarm water using a spray bottle.

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Pothos
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Resistant and for beginners
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Monstera Deliciosa
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- The zamioculcas or ZZ plant prefers rather dry and well-drained soils, it tolerates droughts very well, as it stores moisture in its leaves and stems. It does not tolerate excess water, so make sure that its leaves do not turn yellow.

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ZZ plant
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Pothos
€54.00 €48.60
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- Pilea peperomioides or Chinese money plant is very popular as it is said to attract good luck. Watering should be frequent, as it lives best in moist soil. Make sure that the substrate never gets too dry. You can complement the care of the money plant with a spray of water on the leaves.

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Chinese Money Plant
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Bird of Paradise
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Decorative and resistant
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- The corn plant or Brazil stem is a plant of the dracaena family that requires moderate to light watering. Try to water it only when the top layer of the substrate looks almost completely dry, to prevent the roots from rotting. Satisfy its indoor humidity requirements by spraying water over the leaves a couple of times a week.

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Dracaena Fragrans
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Easy to care for and purifying
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Calathea Medallion
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Regulates humidity
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- Monstera deliciosa or Adam's rib is a tropical plant that requires moderate watering. As an indicator, you can wait until the substrate dries out before watering. It is more tolerant of too little water than too much, so it is best to wait until the soil dries out a little. You can spray the leaves in summer to keep them looking radiant.

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Monstera Deliciosa
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Bonsai 7 years old Acer pa...
€53.00
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- The various types of succulents and cacti prefer dry, well-drained soil as they are susceptible to waterlogging. Water when you notice that the plant looks a little droopy or thin, or that the substrate is too dry.

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Snake Plant
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Calathea lancifolia
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The frequency of watering plants is determined by many factors, so you need to develop observation and attention, so that you discover the right time to water. Some people can tell when their plants are short of water by lifting the pot and checking the weight.

It takes time and patience, but you will get to understand what your plant needs.
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About the author
Ame Rodríguez

Dedicated to creating an army of cacti, succulents, poodles and cats to help me conquer the world. In the little free time I have left, I play, write and dance.

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