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How to Water Your Houseplants
Wisely
by Kori Puckett
Over watering ranks first in causes of houseplant demise because it
causes roots to rot. Most plants are tough so they can recover from
under watering with only the loss of a few leaves -- unless you wait too
long and pass the point of no return.
Watering schedules depend on the kind of houseplant, its size,
container, and environment. No two plants have the same water
requirements, so you'll need to know what your particular plant(s)
require.
Generally, it's best to water during morning hours. Most flowering
plants require more water than their non-flowering counterparts. Since
the needs of individual plants vary greatly, you should research your
houseplant's requirements.
Test dryness of soil by probing the top inch with your finger. Tapping
the side of the post also indicates the degree of wetness. If the tap
sounds hollow, the plant needs water. If it sounds solid, wait a day or
two to water. If a plant begins to wilt and its soil looks dry and
cracked, it needs water immediately.
For plants that require moderate watering, allow 1/2 to 1-inch of soil
to dry out before re-watering. If a plant needs light watering, let
two-thirds of the soil dries out. For plants that need heavy watering,
the surface should always be moist.
You can water in several ways. A quick and easy method is to water from
the surface with a watering can. Use a long-spout water can and water at
room temperature. When water escapes through the bottom of a pot, the
houseplant has had enough.
Pots also may be placed in a tray of water for about half an hour. This
allows the soil to draw water in from drainage holes. Some plants, such
as ferns, especially like this watering method.
During each watering, use enough water to completely soak the soil in
the pot rather than simply wetting the surface. (Keep in mind when
watering, that hairy plants, such as African Violets, can be damaged if
their leaves get wet).
Tap water is fine for plants, but it's a good idea to let the water
stand in an open container overnight to allow it to come to room
temperature and allow chlorine to evaporate. If your tap water has a
high fluoride content, it is wise to use water from another source --
spring, well, rain water, distilled water, or water that has collected
in a dehumidifier. You also can add perlite or limestone to your plant's
soil to neutralize fluorides.
Courtesy of Kori Puckett
More steps to easily care for your house plants can be found at
www.koripuckett.com/house-plant-care Answers to the Most Frequently
Asked Questions About House Plants Inside This Powerful Guide. Visit
House Plant Secrets At:
www.koripuckett.com/house-plant-care/houseplantsecrets?wa
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