I suppose this is a dumb question.... but.... do you always need to let a houseplant's soil dry out before watering it to prevent root rot? I know with succulents you are supposed to let the soil dry out completely between waterings, but I had kinda thought with most other plants (depending on what plant it is, of course) the soil should stay moist (but never soaking unless you have a wetland plant) a couple inches below the surface! Is that right?? I'm a little confused!
Depends on the plant in my experience! Some plants are very drought tolerant and will do well with dry soil between waterings, while some prefer to stay moist! I always do a quick google search with my new plants and watch a few videos on care
6 likes
Most of mine dry out but there are a few that I allow to dry out only 3/4 of the way. To know when they’re at this point, I use a chopstick and wherever the soil sticks to it, the plant is still moist. Some of these types include my oxalis and ferns.
1 like And it’s definitely not a dumb question! This is a tough thing about taking care of plants that I’m still figuring out :) you’ll also start to know signs for individual plants. For example, some get flimsy leaves, slight wrinkles, droopy, curled leaves, etc.
1 like
On average, how often do you water your ferns?
0 likes Maybe once a week or a little less! But it definitely depends on their soil mixtures, pot size, and location
1 like
I agree with everything above. I mostly popped in to reinforce this isn’t a dumb question. It’s a very nuanced thing dependent on a myriad of factors. We all have to figure it out when we start down the rabbit hole.
5 likes
How I water is 1in to 1.5inch of top soil is dry. Then I water. Usually on my pointer is the 2nd knuckle. I water till it comes out the bottom.
3 likes
My watering schedule for a plant depends on different variables. I rarely use soil depth dryness because it only works for a few of my plants. I’m in hot and humid zone 9. The heatwave has driven me to water my patio plants everyday except the few succulents I own. I water spider plants, sweet potato vines, oxalis and coleus plants twice a day. They are in easy flow soil and droop 12 hours after I water. Indoor plants are usually watered every three to five days depending on the plant and pot size. I initially follow the seller’s watering instructions, if provided, or if it is my first experience with that type of plant. I adjust based on the plant’s performance. I recently bought an Alocasia Zebrina for the first time. The instructions say to never let it completely dry out (in bold letters) or it will die! Scary! I definitely follow up with research and make adjustments for new plants as suggested. Because the plant, the environment, the soil composition and planter material all impact the watering schedule. This is what works for me.
I have one too!!! So pretty
Really cute! White is their color!
0 likes