I've been struggling to figure out how much water to give my plants. I have a Peach Lily that lets me know when it needs water, which is super helpful, but I'm not sure how much to use in general. I typically spray around 30 times with my spray bottle, but I have no idea if that's enough or too much! Most of my rooms only get morning sun, but the succulents have more light since they're in the sunniest spots. Also, my house tends to stay on the chilly side, even during summer, feeling almost fridge-like. I recently repotted my snake plants after they had some babies and suffered from root rot. I expected them to have more roots, given how long I've had them! I usually find that the soil doesn't get saturated, except for the first day, and just the top half centimeter is moist, but sometimes water drips out the bottom. I really need advice on how much water is optimal!
3 Answers
Watering consistency is key here! It's not just about how much water you give but how often. You want to make sure that the water seeps all the way through the soil to reach the roots. If you're watering a little each time, you might end up causing root rot since only the top layers get wet. Letting it drain fully is also crucial—it encourages healthy root growth!
Great question! Overwatering isn't really about the amount in one go, but more about how often you're watering and the type of soil you're using. Ensure the whole soil gets saturated—that means water should come out the drainage holes. If you only water a bit, the roots at the bottom stay dry, which can kill them. Also, most plants need good airflow in the soil. If it's too packed and stays wet, roots can rot because they can't breathe. For succulents, make sure the soil drains quickly enough, especially in cooler temps, since they need less water in those conditions!
I don't really measure how much water I give, but I have a cool method! For my smaller plants, I bottom water them by soaking them in the sink for around 20 minutes. For bigger ones, I use the shower—about 2-3 minutes under the water and then let them drain. This way, they soak up just what they need! Would definitely recommend trying that approach!
That's a neat trick! How often do you do that watering method?
Totally agree! It's all about getting that water to the roots. Good drainage helps too!