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6 Tips and Tricks to Improve Your Watering Routine
Watering an indoor plant seems obvious: pour the water in, right? As it turns out, there is a lot to it. Watering is at once incredibly simple and a bit of an art. From the basics to the tricks, here is how to level up your routine.
At Léon & George, our master gardeners have spent nearly a decade growing premium plants and helping thousands of plant parents nationwide dial in their watering, so this advice comes from real, hands-on experience.
1. Feel the Soil Before Watering
The best way to know if a plant needs water is to check whether the soil is dry. Gently stick a finger into the top of the soil; if it is still wet, hold off. If decorative moss covers the soil, feel below it. Plants in smaller pots dry out faster simply because there is less mix to hold moisture. For larger plants, a moisture meter makes this reading effortless and accurate.
2. Water the Soil Evenly
Water all around the plant, not just one spot. The plant grows more evenly and is less stressed when all of its roots get a drink. Pour around the edges of the pot where the roots gather, which helps the plant absorb water evenly. A Diva Watering Can with a long, narrow spout makes it easy to reach all the way around.
3. Use Room-Temperature Water
Avoid water that is too hot or too cold. Room-temperature water (around 68°F) is best for nutrient absorption and spares your plant the shock of a temperature swing. Plants like to be comfortable too.
4. Adjust Watering to the Season
Water needs change with the seasons. Plants want more water in spring and summer when they are actively growing, and less in fall and winter when shorter days slow them into a semi-dormant rest. As days shorten, scale back. Also keep plants away from heating and cooling vents, where drafts dry out soil and cause stress.
5. Try Bottom Watering
Bottom watering lets the plant soak up moisture from below instead of pouring over the top. Set the nursery pot in a basin of water for 20 to 30 minutes, let the roots draw up what they need, then drain fully. It encourages deep, even root growth and reduces the risk of overwatering.
6. Mist Humidity-Lovers and Keep It Consistent
Tropical plants appreciate a regular misting between waterings; a watering can with a built-in mister handles both jobs in one tool. Above all, aim for consistency: let the soil dry to the right depth, then water thoroughly until it runs from the drainage hole. A steady rhythm beats a heavy hand every time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know when to water my plants?
Check the soil before watering: stick a finger into the top inch or two, and water only if it feels dry. Smaller pots dry out faster, and a moisture meter gives an accurate reading for larger plants.
What temperature water should I use for houseplants?
Room-temperature water, around 68°F, is ideal. Water that is too hot or cold shocks the roots and reduces nutrient absorption.
Should I water plants more in summer or winter?
More in spring and summer during active growth, and less in fall and winter when plants slow into a semi-dormant rest. Scale back as the days shorten.
What is bottom watering and why is it good?
Bottom watering means setting the nursery pot in water for 20 to 30 minutes so roots draw moisture up from below. It promotes deep, even root growth and lowers the risk of overwatering.
How can I water my plants more evenly?
Pour around the edges of the pot where the roots gather, rather than in one spot, so all the roots get hydrated. A watering can with a long, narrow spout makes this easy.