How to Water Your Plants Effectively

How to water

Feel the soil; it should be a bit moist but not wet when watering it again. Squeeze a bit of soil between your fingers, if water seeps out it's still wet.

If the soil is wet - snooze this action, we will remind you again in 2 days.

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Water over the soil

Pour water over the soil, using, for example, a watering can or put the plant directly under a tap
Continue adding water to the pot until it starts to run out from the drainage holes
If you have a tray under the pot when watering, make sure you remove all the collected water afterwards - never let your plant sit in water
If you watered under a tap make sure that water has stopped running out from the bottom before putting it back

Make sure your pot has drainage holes, without these your plant runs the risk of rotting in the excess water that can’t drain out.
— Planta tip

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Bottomwatering

Fill the plant tray with water
Make sure the soil is in contact with the water on the tray
Wait for about 10 minutes
Feel the soil to see if it absorbed enough water —> if the soil is moist throughout, remove any excess water from the tray
If it’s still dry —> add more water to the tray
Wait 20 more minutes before removing the excess

Note

Bottom watering will not wash away salts and other minerals from the soil, so make sure to also give water over the soil every now and then.

Water bath

Fill a bucket or any other vessel with lukewarm water
Lower the whole pot down in the water, stop where the stem of the plant starts. Make sure all of the soil is under water
The water will now start to bubble - wait until it stopped
Lift the pot up and let the excess drain off
Put the plant back in the cachepot or on the tray
After 1 hour, check that the plant isn’t standing in water, if it is it might get overwatered and rot

Plants can soak up water more easily when it is roughly the same temperature as the surrounding air.
— Planta tip

Frequently asked questions

How do I know when my plant needs water?

Check the soil moisture; it should be a bit moist but not wet before you water again. If you squeeze a bit of soil and water seeps out, it's still too wet.

What is the best way to top water a plant?

Pour water over the soil until it starts to run out from the drainage holes. Always remove any collected water from the tray afterward, as plants should never sit in water.

How do I bottom water my plant?

Fill the plant tray with water, making sure the soil is in contact with the water. Wait about 10 minutes, then check if the soil is moist throughout, adding more water if needed and waiting 20 more minutes before removing any excess.

When should I use a water bath for my plant?

A water bath is a good option to ensure thorough watering. Submerge the entire pot in lukewarm water until the bubbling stops, then lift it to drain excess water, ensuring it's not standing in water after an hour.

Why is proper drainage important for plants?

Pots must have drainage holes to prevent your plant from rotting in excess water that cannot escape. Never let your plant sit in standing water after watering.

Should I only bottom water my plants?

No, bottom watering does not rinse away salts and other minerals from the soil. Make sure to water over the soil every now and then to flush these out.

Step by step

Feel the soil to determine if it is still wet; if water seeps out when squeezed, wait a few days.

Pour water over the soil, using a watering can or tap, until it runs out from the drainage holes.

Remove all collected water from any tray under the pot immediately after watering.

If watering under a tap, ensure water has stopped running out from the bottom before returning the plant to its spot.

Alternatively, fill the plant tray with water for bottom watering, ensuring the soil is in contact with the water.

Wait for about 10 minutes, then feel the soil to see if it has absorbed enough water and is moist throughout.

If the soil is still dry, add more water to the tray and wait 20 more minutes before removing the excess.

For a water bath, fill a bucket or vessel with lukewarm water.

Lower the entire pot into the water, stopping where the plant's stem begins, ensuring all soil is submerged.

Wait until the water stops bubbling.

Lift the pot up and let the excess water drain off completely.

Put the plant back in its cachepot or on the tray.

After 1 hour, check that the plant is not standing in water to prevent overwatering and rot.