When you’re looking after house or office plants for the first time, it might feel like a bit of a daunting project. Whether your friends have gone away and you’re taking care of their precious collection, or you’ve been tasked to keep an eye on the office plants, you might be wondering about how to properly water the plants you’re working with. One of the first questions that might come to mind is how much water will be enough to keep them alive. Today, we’ve got more information for you about how to properly water indoor plants, and keep everyone around you happy in the process.
Tips For Properly Watering Indoor Plants
Although you will need to consider the type of plants you’re working with, there are a couple of general tips that might be worth keeping in mind. Always start with using a watering can or a jug that allows a gentle stream of water. That way, you will be able to control the amounts, rather than accidentally overwatering the plants. It’s important to soak the soil thoroughly, but some plants (like orchids) don’t need more than a few drops of water. Never let indoor plants sit in water, so check the base thirty minutes after watering for any excess water and throw it out. Follow a watering schedule, but keep an eye on how the plants are taking to it, and adjust when necessary.
How Much Water is Enough? Key Factors to Consider
For almost all plants, the rule of thumb is to only water them when the top 2 centimeters feels dry. The finger test will do, and you’ll get the hang of it in no time at all. Most houseplants need to be watered every one to three weeks, and it’s worth monitoring each to get a sense of the general rhythm. Consider the plant size and type, as well as the locations to determine how much water will be enough. Temperature and humidity can change the schedule up quite drastically, so factor this into your planning too.
Signs of Overwatering Plants
When you’ve overwatered a plant, there may be one or more telltale signs to look out for. Typically, its lower leaves will be yellow, along with the plant looking more wilted than usual. Stunted roots with no new growth is another sign that things are heading in the wrong direction. Young leaves will likely turn brown, and the soil may even appear slightly green due to algae growth. Each plant may respond differently to being overwatered, but by paying close attention to the signs, and asking for help when you’re unsure, you’ll be able to keep the indoor house or office plants thriving at all times.
Professional Advice To Keep Them Healthy
Asking your friends for help a week into staying in their house may feel a little daunting. The same goes for in the office, where everyone might expect you to have a greener thumb than you may have accidentally led on. Here at Bidvest ExecuFlora, we are always open to lending a helping hand if you have a question about how to keep plants healthy and flourishing. Our team is committed to bringing joy into any indoor space through the best plants on the market. We can even help in the worst case scenario, where you may be looking to replace a few plants, or if you’re keen to add a new one to the existing collection to spruce things up a little. Your wish is our command.