---
title: "Hi new to plant care, so far my plants are all doing well but every…"
description: "Hi new to plant care, so far my plants are all doing well but every time I go to water them the soil is dry. I don’t want to over water them and think I need…"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/reGnX7K3StqCfipC4Gtt2w/lhNx5zRzdpAeZsKgzf9YMp"
community: "Plant Pro Tips"
author: "Nik"
published: "2026-03-11T23:01:16.922719Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v2/cloudinary/global_data/communities/vxxehfwu8pvotozsp4aa.jpg"
---

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# Hi new to plant care, so far my plants are all doing well but every…

_Posted by Nik on 2026-03-11_

Hi new to plant care, so far my plants are all doing well but every time I go to water them the soil is dry. I don’t want to over water them and think I need better soil. How can I get good soil for them? Is potted mix enough or should I add other things?  
Plants: pothos and umbrella tree  
Pots: plastic with drainage and ceramic with drainage

## 3 comments

### The leafy Angel commented on 2026-03-12

You want your soil dry when you go to water those types of plants. For soil I do add stuff to mine. I add perlite and orchid bark

#### Nik replied on 2026-03-12

How dry is okay though? Is it okay if the soil has been dry for a few days before you water? Should I water more frequently? Thanks for the help!

#### The leafy Angel replied on 2026-03-12

I would say yes a few days dry should be fine for the types you mentioned. Your plant will typically give you signs it need water. Things like the leaves curl, stems don’t look as “plump”, it looks a bit sad and droopy. Yellow leaves can also be a sign but they are also a sign of too much water.

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