Brown spots on the houseplant? You probably didn't water enough. Or, on the contrary, waterlogging has already formed. Giving water is not that easy. Unconscious mistakes creep in again and again and damage the houseplant. Stop it! We'll explain to you how to water your plants correctly.
How do I water houseplants correctly?
To water houseplants properly, consider the species and location factors, check the moisture of the substrate with the thumb test and only water when the top layer is dry. Water requirements depend on factors such as light, heat, plant type and humidity.
Factors that determine water requirements
In order to estimate the correct amount of watering for a plant, you must not only take the species into account, but also make the amount dependent on the location factors. The more light and heat a plant is exposed to, the higher its water requirements are because the substrate dries out more quickly.
These factors increase water requirements
- Start of the growth phase or beginning of the flowering period
- fully formed roots
- Volume of the root ball is very large in relation to the amount of substrate
- Summer
- low humidity
- a moisture-absorbing pot (e.g. clay)
- Plant has large leaves but only thin stems
These factors reduce water requirements
- Beginning of the rest phase
- light roots
- cool temperatures
- large pot for small plant
- Plastic pots
- high humidity
- Succulents
Determine the right time
Since the above conditions are subject to constant fluctuations, it makes little sense to set a general schedule and water the houseplants according to the time. The thumb test is much more suitable for checking when the next watering is necessary. Press a few centimeters into the substrate with your thumb. If the soil is still moist, the plant has enough water available. Only water when the top layer of substrate is dry.
Tip
A water level gauge (€59.00 on Amazon), which you install in the bucket, is also a useful aid. We recommend purchasing it, especially in hydroponics where thumb testing is not possible.
