Practical Information Sheet
Watering Plants
Water according to the root zone and the plant’s growth—not the calendar.
Before watering
Check below the surface with a finger, wooden probe, pot weight, or moisture reading. Confirm that the plant’s species, pot, temperature, and light justify watering.
Water thoroughly
Apply water slowly across the surface until the entire root ball is wet and excess leaves the drainage hole. Empty saucers after drainage.
Different plants, different drying
Most foliage plants are watered after the upper layer begins to dry. Cacti and many succulents need deeper drying. Newly planted outdoor plants need closer observation until roots extend into surrounding soil.
Recognize trouble
Constantly wet mix, odor, fungus gnats, translucent tissue, or a plant that wilts while wet suggests root stress. Crispy tissue, shrinking mix, and an unusually light pot suggest drought. Similar symptoms can have different causes, so inspect roots and mix before acting.
Water quality and hygiene
Use clean water near room temperature. Avoid repeatedly wetting crowns or leaves that remain cold and still. Clean tools and do not move runoff from a diseased plant to another pot.