---
title: "How to Water Plants: Essential Techniques for Healthy Growth"
description: "Master plant watering techniques: top, bottom, and bath watering. Learn how to check soil moisture, ensure proper drainage, and avoid overwatering for healthier, happier plants."
url: "https://getplanta.com/discover/watering/herbaceousperennial/high"
published: "2025-11-20T08:44:37.837Z"
modified: "2026-10-06T10:23:15.020Z"
author: "Planta"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/public/content/8C1lUvG9RV-35b8p-CD6SQ.webp?size=large"
---

# How to Water Plants: Essential Techniques for Healthy Growth

## 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. There are several ways to water your plant. Choose a way that suits you the best.

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


![](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/public/content/8C1lUvG9RV-35b8p-CD6SQ.webp?size=large)

## Water over the soil

1. Pour water over the soil, using, for example, a watering can or put the plant directly under a tap
2. Continue adding water to the pot until it starts to run out from the drainage holes
3. 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
4. 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 risks rotting in the excess water that can’t exit.  
> — Planta tip

![](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/public/content/g8f5lmBqTBKaIfnsFEmOPQ.webp?size=large)

## Bottom watering

1. Fill the plant tray with water
2. Make sure the soil is in contact with the water on the tray
3. Wait for about 10 minutes
4. Feel the soil to see if it absorbed enough water —> if the soil is moist throughout, remove any excess water from the tray
5. If it’s still dry —> add more water to the tray
6. 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

1. Fill a bucket or any other vessel with lukewarm water
2. 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
3. The water will now start to bubble - wait until it stopped
4. Lift the pot up and let the excess drain off
5. Put your plant back in the cachepot or on the tray
6. After 1 hour, check that your plant isn’t standing in water, if it is it might get overwatered and rot

> It’s often easier to kill a plant with overwatering than with underwatering, and it’s often much easier to save an underwatered plant than the opposite.  
> — Planta tip

## Ofte stilte spørsmål

### How do I know when my plant needs watering?

Before watering, always feel the soil; it should be a bit moist but not wet. If water seeps out when you squeeze a bit of soil between your fingers, it is still too wet and does not need watering yet.

### Why are drainage holes important for plant pots?

Drainage holes are crucial because they allow excess water to escape, preventing your plant from sitting in water and risking root rot. Without them, water can accumulate and harm your plant.

### What are the main ways I can water my plants?

There are several effective ways to water your plants, including pouring water over the soil, bottom watering by soaking from a tray, or giving your plant a complete water bath.

### What is a key benefit of top watering compared to bottom watering?

Watering over the soil helps to flush out accumulated salts and other minerals that can build up over time. It is important to do this occasionally, even if you primarily bottom water.

### What is the main risk of overwatering plants?

Overwatering is a significant risk for plants, as it can easily lead to root rot, which is often harder to remedy than an underwatered plant. Always ensure proper drainage and avoid standing water.

## How to Water Your Plants Effectively

1. Check the soil: Squeeze a bit of soil between your fingers; if water seeps out, it is still wet. Water only when the soil is a bit moist but not wet.
2. Choose a watering method: You can water over the soil, use bottom watering, or give your plant a water bath.
3. To water over the soil: Pour water into the pot until it begins to drain from the bottom holes. Remove any collected water from the tray immediately.
4. To bottom water: Fill the plant tray with water, ensuring the soil is in contact with it. Wait for about 10 minutes, then check the soil moisture. If still dry, add more water and wait another 20 minutes before removing any excess.
5. To give a water bath: Submerge the entire pot in a bucket of lukewarm water until bubbles stop, then lift and allow excess water to drain completely.
6. Always ensure your pot has drainage holes to prevent root rot.
7. Never let your plant sit in standing water. If using a water bath, check after an hour to confirm no water has collected.
8. Occasionally water from the top, even if you primarily bottom water, to flush out accumulated salts and minerals.

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