How to Water Your Houseplants Correctly

How to water

All of the soil should be dry before watering again. If the soil still is moist you risk giving the plant too much water and it can rot.

If the soil is moist - 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
Try to avoid getting water on the stems and leaves
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 exit.
— 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 to water my plant?

You should water your plant when all of its soil is dry. If the soil is still moist, it's best to wait to avoid overwatering and potential root rot.

What is the proper way to water plants from the top?

Pour water over the soil until it begins to run out from the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot. Be sure to remove any water that collects in the drainage tray afterwards.

How do I bottom water my plant?

To bottom water, fill the plant tray with water and place the pot in it, ensuring the soil is in contact with the water. Wait about 10 minutes, then check if the soil is moist throughout and remove any excess water from the tray.

Why is it important to have drainage holes in plant pots?

Drainage holes are crucial because they allow excess water to escape, preventing your plant from sitting in water and rotting. Without proper drainage, water can accumulate and harm the plant's roots.

Can I use a water bath to water my plant?

Yes, you can give your plant a water bath by submerging the pot in a bucket of lukewarm water until bubbling stops. After, lift the pot to let excess water drain completely before returning it to its spot.

Should I only use bottom watering for my plants?

While bottom watering is effective, it's a good idea to also water from the top occasionally. This helps to flush away any accumulated salts and minerals from the soil.

How to Water Your Plant

Check that all of the soil is dry before watering again.

Pour water over the soil, trying to avoid getting water on the stems and leaves.

Continue adding water to the pot until it starts to run out from the drainage holes.

If you have a tray under the pot, remove all the collected water immediately.

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