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How to Water a Philodendron Plant

Pubblicato il November 20, 2025

How to Water a Philodendron Plant

How to water

Feel the soil: the top layer (about 1 inch) should be dry before giving your philodendron more water. There are several ways to water philodendrons - they aren’t very picky. Choose a way that suits you the best.

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

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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

It’s easier to kill a philodendron with overwatering than with underwatering, and it’s definitely easier to save an underwatered philodendron than the opposite.
— Planta tip

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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 philodendron 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

Philodendrons don’t like to live in wet soil, so make sure that your plant is planted in a pot with excellent drainage.
— Planta tip

Domande frequenti

When should I water my Philodendron?

You should water your Philodendron when the top layer of soil, about 1 inch deep, feels dry to the touch.

What is the best way to water a Philodendron?

There are several effective ways to water Philodendrons, including pouring water over the soil, bottom watering, or using a water bath, so you can choose what suits you best.

Can I overwater my Philodendron?

Yes, it is easier to kill a Philodendron by overwatering than by underwatering. Always ensure the plant is not left sitting in collected water after watering.

How do I bottom water my Philodendron?

To bottom water, fill the plant tray with water, ensure the soil is in contact with the water, wait 10-20 minutes for absorption, then remove any excess water.

Why should I sometimes top water my Philodendron if I usually bottom water?

Bottom watering does not wash away salts and other minerals from the soil, so it's important to water over the soil every now and then to flush them out.

What kind of pot does a Philodendron need?

Philodendrons do not like to live in wet soil, so make sure your plant is in a pot with excellent drainage to prevent issues.

How to water a Philodendron

  1. Feel the top layer of soil; it should be dry about 1 inch deep before watering.

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

  3. Remove any collected water from the tray immediately, ensuring the plant never sits in water.

  4. If watering under a tap, wait for the water to stop running from the bottom before placing the plant back.