--- title: "I have a large octopus/umbrella tree I just got and I can’t seem to…" description: "I have a large octopus/umbrella tree I just got and I can’t seem to get a hang of watering it ! I am watering from the top, I used 2 watering cans filled with…" url: "https://getplanta.com/community/lZ7uAE3pQ86jnFGxrCwLrg/s5tjpzsxeVq6SbEmyvT2Ox?language=ko" community: "Anything about plants" author: "Andeluca23" published: "2024-12-04T15:42:25.452047Z" language: "en" image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v2/cloudinary/global_data/communities/everythingHousePlants.jpg" --- [커뮤니티](https://getplanta.com/community.md?language=ko) / [Anything about plants](https://getplanta.com/community/lZ7uAE3pQ86jnFGxrCwLrg.md?language=ko) # I have a large octopus/umbrella tree I just got and I can’t seem to… _Andeluca23님이 2024-12-04에 게시함_ I have a large octopus/umbrella tree I just got and I can’t seem to get a hang of watering it ! I am watering from the top, I used 2 watering cans filled with water. Water was running out the bottom. I had a moisture reader in and it still said the soil was dry, hovering to moist, back to dry. I placed my finger in the soil this morning and it felt dry! Despite the two big cans of water and water running out. Some leafs are turning yellow too! Any suggestions ? Should I try bottom watering in the tub ? Or is it too large ? Thanks ! ## 11개의 댓글 ### Sunny님이 2024-12-04에 댓글을 남겼어요. Use wooden meat skewers pushed to the bottom of the pot to check the moisture level. Let the skewers sit in the soil for 10 minutes. The water line on the skewers will show since you just watered. Use them like testing if a cake is baked. Wet soil will stick below the water line indicating the soil has sufficient water. Water meters measure the electrical resistance in the soil and actual moisture levels l. Wet soil is a better conductor than dry soil. I’ve used two meters before. I threw them out when they read opposite readings. The wooden bamboo skewer method is simple, more reliable and the sticks are reusable after drying/cleaning. 🍀🪴 ### Kades님이 2024-12-04에 댓글을 남겼어요. I wonder if your soil is hydrophobic? When you water does the water kind of ball up or run off the top of the soil? Next time you water I’d do it in the tub. Close the drain and start watering with the shower head. let it sit in the accumulated water until the pot feels super heavy (can take hours…) Then let it drain for a long while. #### Andeluca23님이 2024-12-04에 답변했습니다. I was wondering the same thing!! If I water is with the shower head will the leaves get too wet and damaged ? Is it better to fill up the tub with water and let it bottom water by sitting in the tub of water for 30+ mins ? #### Kades님이 2024-12-04에 답변했습니다. Ive never had an issue with mine but it probably depends on your water pressure. If you can adjust the pressure or only turn it on part of the way that would be ideal. I try to do like “mid to heavy rain” or what I imagine that feels like 😂 You can always shake the leaves off or use a soft towel so they don’t stay wet as long! #### Andeluca23님이 2024-12-04에 답변했습니다. Amazing !! Thanks for your help ☺️ ### Wolfen 🐺님이 2024-12-04에 댓글을 남겼어요. I agree it sounds hydrophobic soil. Very common, especially if its a lot of coconut/peat. It really won't get moist unless it's sitting in water. I would repot it with better soil. If you leave it, I'd bottom water it in a tub. #### Andeluca23님이 2024-12-04에 답변했습니다. Thank you!! #### Andeluca23님이 2024-12-04에 답변했습니다. Also since it’s so large, how long do you suggest I let it soak for ? #### Wolfen 🐺님이 2024-12-05에 답변했습니다. I would soak it for 30-60 mins. You can also make it slightly lukewarm vs cold, that will help with the uptake process. I do that for plants i know have been thirsty. It helps perk them up. #### Andeluca23님이 2024-12-05에 답변했습니다. Thanks so much 😊 ### Andeluca23님이 2024-12-05에 댓글을 남겼어요. Thank you so much 😊 --- _Planta 커뮤니티 (https://getplanta.com). 누구나 읽을 수 있습니다. 게시물을 올리고, 댓글을 달고, 좋아요를 누르려면 Planta 앱을 다운로드하세요: https://getplanta.com/download_