How to Water Your Plant Correctly: A Complete Guide

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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Bottom watering

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.

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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?

You can tell your plant needs water by feeling the soil. It should be slightly moist, not soaking wet. If squeezing the soil produces water, it is still too wet and you should wait to water.

What is the best way to top water a plant?

To top water, pour water over the soil using a watering can or directly under a tap until it runs out of the drainage holes. Always remove any collected water from the tray afterwards, and wait for drainage to stop if watering under a tap.

How do I bottom water my plant?

To bottom water, fill the plant tray with water, making sure the soil is in contact with the water. Wait for about 10 minutes, then feel the soil. If it's moist throughout, remove excess water, otherwise add more water to the tray and wait another 20 minutes before removing the excess.

Can I give my plant a water bath?

Yes, you can give your plant a water bath by filling a bucket with lukewarm water and lowering the whole pot into it until all soil is submerged, but not above the stem. Wait until the bubbling stops, then lift the pot to drain and ensure it is not standing in water after an hour.

Why are drainage holes important for plant pots?

Drainage holes are essential because without them, excess water cannot drain out, which puts your plant at risk of rotting.

What water temperature is best for plants?

Plants can absorb water more easily when the water temperature is roughly the same as the surrounding air.

How to Water Your Plant

Feel the soil to check if it is a bit moist but not wet.

If the soil is wet, wait 2 days before watering.

Pour water over the soil until it starts to run out from the drainage holes.

If you have a tray under the pot, make sure you remove all collected water afterwards.

If you watered under a tap, ensure water has stopped running out from the bottom before putting the plant back.

Always make sure your pot has drainage holes to prevent rotting from excess water.