Planta Discover

How to water your houseplants effectively

Published November 20, 2025

How to water your houseplants effectively

How to water

Feel the soil, the top layer (about 1 inch) should be dry before giving more water. If the soil is still wet you risk giving the plant too much water and it can rot.

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?

The top layer of soil, about 1 inch deep, should be dry before you water your plant again. If the soil is still wet, you risk giving it too much water and it can rot.

Why is good drainage important for plant pots?

Drainage holes allow excess water to escape, preventing your plant from sitting in water and potentially rotting. Without them, your plant could rot in the excess water that cannot drain out.

What is bottom watering and how does it work?

To bottom water, fill the plant tray with water, ensuring the soil is in contact with the water. Wait for about 10 minutes, then feel the soil to see if it absorbed enough water.

Should I always bottom water my plants?

No, bottom watering will not wash away salts and other minerals from the soil. Make sure to also give water over the soil every now and then.

How do I give my plant a water bath?

Fill a bucket with lukewarm water and lower the whole pot into it until the stem starts. Wait until the water stops bubbling, then lift the pot and let the excess drain off.

What temperature water is best for my plants?

Plants can soak up water more easily when it is roughly the same temperature as the surrounding air. Lukewarm water is often a good choice for water baths.

How to top water your plant

  1. Feel the soil; the top layer (about 1 inch) should be dry before watering.

  2. Pour water over the soil using a watering can or by placing the plant directly under a tap.

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

  4. If you have a tray under the pot, remove all collected water from it immediately afterwards.

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