Lots of people struggle with taking care of plants so they resort to buying plastic ones. But fake is fake and the real deal is always better – We wouldn´t eat fake food, would we?
How to water plants without overwatering them
It’s true; gardening is not as simple as it might seem. Perhaps that’s why cacti and succulents have become so popular. They can survive even if we forget to water them for months, but that doesn’t mean they don’t suffer from drought or appreciate more frequent watering.
Here follows a few tips on how not to overwater plants:
Use clay pots
A clay pot is usually a better option, since it breaths naturally and dries out the soil better. A new plant usually comes in a plastic pot with several holes at the base. “This type of container is very practical for nurseries, where they water abundantly to promote faster growth for sale. However, it’s not the ideal place for a plant to live permanently.
Therefore, once you bring the plant home, it is recommended to transplant the plant it into a slightly larger pot, ideally made of clay. Clay allows the soil to oxygenate better compared to plastic or ceramic pots. A useful trick is to place two fingers of gravel at the bottom and add the soil on top to serve as drainage.
What is your location and climate?
Account for Location and Climate Where You Live. For example, in the Mediterranean, the solar radiation dries out the soil more compared to more northern areas where the soil is richer and softer due to higher rainfall. Additionally, the orientation of your home matters. A north-facing location may receive little sunlight, while an east-facing one will receive light in the morning.
How sensitive is the plant?
Consider the Sensitivity of the Plant The Type of Plant It’s a good idea to research the plant you’re caring for before watering it, as not all plants require the same level of attention. For instance, begonias or petunias are delicate and dry out quickly, so they need more frequent watering. On the other hand, succulent plants like cacti, aloe vera, and jade are more drought-tolerant.
Watering can and water quality
Use a proper watering can or watering tools for best result. The water quality is also influenced by your location. For watering, it’s recommended to use water with neutral acidity. Water with a pH above 8 is not ideal as it can leave marks on the leaves and dull the plants, making it harder for them to absorb light.
The ideal tool for this is a good watering can, or if you’re using a hose, choose a nozzle that sprays water in a rain-like fashion rather than a strong stream. This gentler water application prevents soil displacement. Also,a slow and steady sprinkle over a very dry soil improves the absorption, instead of overflowing the plant with water than may escape rather than getting absorbed by the dry soil.
Summer watering
Water more during the summer the hot summer season since it is the plants most active growth phase (unless the plant is summer dormant). Water plants in small pots a couple of times a week since they dry out fast when they’re exposed to a lot of sun. In autumn and winter, you should reduce watering and space it out more, as the plants don’t need as much energy to grow.”
Best time of the day to water
Water early morning or after sunset to avoid the hours of direct sunlight because the sun’s rays can act like a magnifying glass through water droplets on the leaves, potentially causing burns. Besides, a significant portion of the water evaporates, which is both wasteful and costly. An exception is the lawn, which is better off being watered at night.”
Water after trimming a plant
Rehydrate after pruning or trimming your plant. It’s essential to water the plants because they lose moisture. However, be careful when pruning, and don´t prune excessively and always leaving some branches untouched. Leaves are the energy producers, and cutting all of them forces the plant to exert itself to sprout new growth. Additionally, pruning should not be done during the midday hours.
Dehydrated plants and how to avoid it
Watch for signs of dehydration. It is rather easy to spot when you know what to look for. First, the soil becomes dry, followed by the yellowing or wilting of leaf tips. Subsequently, flowers may fall, and in more advanced cases, leaves may drop.
To rectify a severe state of dehydration, submerge the plant halfway in a bucket of water. “Once the plant stops bubbling, it’s adequately moist, and you can return it to its original spot.”