How to Water Interior Plants
- 1). Pick up the plant pot and make sure that it has drainage holes in the bottom. Most plants will die if they sit in standing water. If no holes are present, replant the houseplant into a new pot with drainage holes.
- 2). Place a saucer or tray under the plant pot to catch the excess water drainage. Fill the saucer with a single layer of gravel or small rocks to keep the pot suspended above the water. Place the pot on top of the gravel.
- 3). Test the soil moisture by sticking your finger 1/2 inch deep into the soil near the plant's base, not at the edge of the pot. If the plant species prefers moist soil, determine if the soil feels spongy but not wet. If so, it is time to water the plant. For plants that prefer to dry out between waterings, apply water when the soil is dry at the 1/2-inch depth.
- 4). Pour room-temperature water into the soil of the plant slowly to allow the soil to absorb it. Do not get water on the foliage of plants. Each time you water, continue pouring until you see a small amount drain out of the bottom holes of the pot.
- 5). Watch the plant leaves and stems carefully for signs of wilting. If the foliage wilts, look at the soil immediately. If it is moist, the plant is suffering from too much water, so stop adding moisture until the soil dries. If the soil is dry, increase the frequency of waterings.
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