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How to water your houseplants correctly

Publicado el November 20, 2025

How to water your houseplants correctly

How to water

All of the soil should be dry before watering again. If the soil 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 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

Preguntas frecuentes

When should I water my plant?

You should only water your plant again when all of the soil is completely dry. Watering when the soil is still moist can lead to root rot.

How do I water my plant from the top?

Pour water slowly 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 collected in the tray afterwards.

What is bottom watering and how do I do it?

To bottom water, fill the plant tray with water and place the pot in it, ensuring the soil is in contact with the water. Let it soak for about 10 minutes, checking the soil moisture, and then remove any excess water.

How does a water bath work for plants?

For a water bath, fill a bucket with lukewarm water and lower the entire pot into it until the soil is fully submerged. Wait for the bubbles to stop, then lift the pot to let the excess water drain off.

Why are drainage holes important in a plant pot?

Drainage holes are crucial because they allow excess water to escape, preventing it from pooling at the bottom of the pot and causing your plant to rot.

Should I only bottom water my plants?

Bottom watering is effective, but it doesn't wash away salts and minerals from the soil. You should also water your plant over the soil every now and then to flush these out.

How to water your plant

  1. Wait until all of the soil is dry before watering again.

  2. Pour water over the soil, avoiding stems and leaves.

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

  4. If you have a tray, remove all collected water immediately.

  5. Ensure your pot has drainage holes to prevent water accumulation.