Should i let my plants

There are hundreds of articles on plant care for different houseplants and edible plants. You can make simple notes to quickly refer to for each plant species. For my Prayer Plant, I only let the top inch of soil dry out between watering, this usually takes a week, but can dry out quicker when the temperature is warmer. Knowing which plants will dry out quicker than others is a great way to be on top of your watering routine. Remember to check plants in warm, dry rooms regularly, as well as those in hanging baskets as they will dry out very quickly.

When we move into autumn you can reduce watering frequency for most plants because they will not need as much in dormancy.

At a quick glance you can tell if the soil is dry on the surface of your pot. Moist soil is almost always darker than dry soil, so when you see lighter brown coloured soil this indicates surface dryness. For these plants you need to delve a bit deeper to know if they need watering.

One of the easiest ways to check if your plant needs watering is to stick your finger into the soil. This gives you a clearer indication of the soil moisture content than simply looking at the surface. You can reach in into the soil and feel how moist or dry the soil is. This technique works best for smaller potted plants because of limited reach. Be careful not to damage roots when you try this technique; if you feel roots try another area in the pot. And that's okay!

Whatever you choose, Erin Marino, plant expert and director of marketing at The Sill , shares her advice on how to deal with a plant on the brink of death. Typically, underwatering or overwatering are going to be the two culprits behind plant sickness. With dehydration, first you want to take a long, hard look at your plant. What does it look like? If the leaves are brown, crispy, and in that full almost-autumnal state of decay, we may need to operate.

After you've removed them, you next want to check for wilting leaves and stems. If they seem firm, we can hold out hope that they can perk back up with a thorough, consistent watering. But if they are mushy, then it's probably for the best that you prune them off as well. So you want to place them in the sunniest window that you have.

Then there are plants that are from more shaded regions, like a Birds Nest fern or a Boston fern. And while it may seem like a no-brainer, the bigger the plant gets the more light it wants, says Satch. So while a plant may start on an end table getting some indirect sunlight, it may require a move towards the window as it grows. If you listen to no other advice, follow this main rule of thumb: water when the soil is dry. Are the leaves dropping, are they turning yellow?

How does the soil feel? Here are some warning signs to be on the lookout for:. Want more tips like these? Sign up for our newsletter and follow us on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram. If you think you've been overwatering, it doesn't necessarily mean your plant is doomed. Just let the soil dry out a bit before watering again. Then start following the watering techniques we describe above. Knowing how to water your houseplants definitely requires some experience.

The more you do it, the better you'll get at caring for your indoor garden. Try starting with a few varieties that are tough to kill. Then, once you've mastered the basics and feel more confident in your watering skills, you can try taking on a few plants that are more challenging but totally worth the effort.

By Andrea Beck Updated January 13, Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission. Save Pin FB More.

Comments Add Comment. Back to story Comment on this project. Tell us what you think Thanks for adding your feedback. All rights reserved. Close Sign in.