Because soggy soil is no one’s love language
Let’s be honest: watering is supposed to be the easiest part of plant care. You just give them water, right?
Wrong. So wrong.
Watering is actually the number one way most new plant parents accidentally murder their leafy children. Too much, too little, too often, not often enough—it’s like trying to read a houseplant’s mind. (Spoiler: they’re not great communicators.)
But don’t worry. This guide will teach you how to water like a pro—with less guesswork, fewer fungus gnats, and zero root rot. Let’s hydrate without harm, shall we?
💦 1. Ditch the Schedule. Seriously.
If you’ve been watering every Tuesday because Pinterest told you to—please stop. Plants don’t know what day it is. They care about how dry their soil is, not your calendar.
Better method: Use a good old-fashioned dry wooden chopstick. Gently insert it into the soil a few inches deep. Pull it out:
- If it comes out clean or just slightly damp, it’s watering time.
- If it comes out with wet or clumpy soil stuck to it, wait a few more days.
Your finger works too—but the chopstick trick helps you check deeper soil and stay tidy.
🚿 2. Water Deeply—but Not Too Often
When you do water, water thoroughly. Like, until water flows out the drainage hole.
This encourages roots to grow deep and strong instead of hanging out at the surface like awkward party guests.
Then—and this is crucial—don’t water again until the soil has dried to the proper depth for that plant. Some plants (like calatheas) like to stay lightly moist, while others (like snake plants) want the Sahara between sips.
Think of it like this:
It’s better to have one solid drink than twelve pitiful spritzes.
🌱 3. Use the Right Pot and Soil (or Prepare for Sadness)
Even perfect watering habits won’t save a plant trapped in the wrong pot or soil.
- Always use pots with drainage holes. Always. No exceptions. Ever.
- Avoid anything labeled “moisture control”—unless you’re raising swamp monsters.
- Use a well-draining soil mix appropriate for the plant.
For tropicals:
- Regular houseplant soil + added perlite or pumice
- Coco coir or bark for airflow
- Optional: worm castings for nutrition
For succulents and cacti:
- Gritty mixes with sand, pumice, or crushed lava rock
- Zero peat moss—it holds too much water
💀 Remember: wet feet = root rot = plant heartbreak.
☀️ 4. Light Affects Watering More Than You Think
Here’s the tea: the more light your plant gets, the more water it uses. Light fuels photosynthesis, which drives water uptake. Less light? Slower water use. Simple science.
Brighter light = faster drying soil = more frequent watering
Lower light = slow drying soil = chill with the watering can
So if your pothos is living in a dim hallway, it won’t need water nearly as often as the one basking in your bright kitchen window.
🌡️ 5. Seasonal Changes Matter (Sort Of)
You’ve probably heard that plants “go dormant” in winter, but indoor life is a bit different. If your plant lives in a warm house with decent lighting—even artificial light—it may continue growing right through winter like it’s no big deal.
So instead of assuming your plant is napping from October to March:
- Watch for signs of slowed growth (less water needed)
- If your plant is still pushing out leaves and drying out quickly? Keep watering as needed
- If it's clearly resting, back off the watering and let it chill
Plants don’t read calendars. They read conditions.
🐛 6. Keep the Soil Clean to Prevent Fungus Gnats
Fungus gnats adore consistently damp soil. Want fewer gnats? Focus on drying out properly between waterings.
Avoid adding anything like sand or gravel to the top of the soil—this might trap moisture below the surface and do more harm than good. Instead, rely on:
- Proper airflow
- Good drainage
- Thoughtful watering habits
If you still have gnats, consider using sticky traps or a hydrogen peroxide soil drench (1 part hydrogen peroxide to 4 parts water) occasionally—but prevention is easier than pest control. PS. Did you know there are beneficial bugs you can use in your soil to prevent them?
🚫 7. Top Watering Isn’t Always the Best Watering
Some plants (we’re looking at you, African violets) hate wet leaves. If you’ve got fuzzy, delicate, or tightly clustered plants, try bottom watering:
- Place the pot in a tray or sink with a few inches of water
- Let it absorb moisture from the bottom for 10–20 minutes
- Remove and drain any excess
This ensures even moisture throughout the soil without soaking the leaves.
🌱 TL;DR: Water Smart, Not Hard
- Water based on soil dryness, not your weekly planner
- Use a chopstick test to check moisture levels
- Adjust for your light situation
- Make sure your soil and pot are up to the task
- Keep soil clean and well-drained to avoid pests
- Watch how your plant behaves seasonally—don’t assume dormancy
Watering doesn’t have to suck. With the right tools (not gadgets), good instincts, and a little patience, your plants can drink up just the right amount—without rotting in the process.