Planta Ontdek

How to Water a Tropical Flowering Plant

Gepubliceerd op November 20, 2025

How to Water a Tropical Flowering Plant

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. There are several ways to water your tropical plant. 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

Make sure your pot has drainage holes, without these your plant risks rotting in the excess water that can’t exit.
— 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 plant 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

Tropical plants love water but don’t want their roots to live in water, so water well and then let the soil dry out before watering again.
— Planta tip

Veelgestelde vragen

How do I know when to water my tropical flowering plant?

You should feel the soil, and when the top layer, about 1 inch deep, is dry, it is time to give your plant more water. If the soil is still wet, wait to avoid overwatering and root rot.

What are the different ways to water a tropical flowering plant?

There are several ways to water tropical flowering plants, including pouring water over the soil, using a bottom watering method, or giving the plant a water bath. Choose the method that best suits your needs.

Is it important for my tropical flowering plant's pot to have drainage holes?

Yes, it is very important for your pot to have drainage holes. Without them, excess water can accumulate and cause your plant's roots to rot.

Can I leave my tropical flowering plant sitting in water?

No, you should never let your tropical flowering plant sit in water. If you use a tray, always remove collected water, and after a water bath, ensure the plant is not standing in water. Tropical plants do not like their roots to live in water.

Should I only bottom water my tropical flowering plant?

While bottom watering is effective, it will not wash away salts and minerals from the soil. Therefore, make sure to also give your plant water over the soil every now and then.