Did you know the number one way to kill a houseplant? It’s watering! Sometimes underwatering but usually overwatering. So, how do we not kill our plants this way?
The Answer to Perfect Watering Is At Your Fingertips
One of the best ways to correct your watering is, believe it or not, your finger! When you buy a plant, get in the habit of checking the soil with your finger before watering. A pot 4 to 6 inches in diameter should dry out about an inch down before you water. An 8 or 10-inch pot should dry out at least 2 to 3 inches down. A 12, 14, or 16-inch pot should dry out as far down as you can reach with your finger.
Different Plants Need Different Amounts of Water
Keep in mind certain plants, like cacti and succulents. should go dry all the way down before watering. You should never allow a plant to go so dry that the leaves begin to droop or curl. Also, identify the plant so you know if it likes to dry out more than another.
Here’s How to Water Orchids
Sometimes when you’re out at the grocery store or even a hardware store you’ll see a beautiful orchid in a plastic pot, with sphagnum moss, sitting inside a pretty little ceramic pot. Sometimes, the directions tell you to water with three ice cubes weekly.
Most orchids are epiphytic, meaning they live in trees! They’re also native to the tropics, meaning they NEVER come in contact with melting frozen water! If you get one of these—or any plant in a plastic pot sitting inside another pot, ALWAYS take the inside plastic pot out for watering and allow it to drain completely before putting it back inside the decorative pot. Also, after you finish watering all your plants, go back and ensure NONE are sitting in water in their saucers.
Let There Be Light – The Right Amount of Light
So this should take care of a lot of your watering problems. Remember that different plants have different light requirements, from plants that tolerate lower light levels, to plants that need as much light as possible, so be sure to identify your plants lighting needs.
Great Plants and Great Advice
We have a great selection of plants to suit your needs in high or low light!