Flowering plants dry out faster than foliage plants.
Growing plants in containers is a pleasurable experience, as most plants aren't difficult to grow and add grace and color to your indoor or outdoor living environment. Watering plants properly is the single most important thing you can do to ensure that your plants remain healthy and vibrant. Because the needs of plants vary widely, plants do best when watered as needed, and not on a pre-set schedule. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
Watering Indoor Plants
1. Learn to evaluate the needs of each individual plant, as water requirements vary depending on a variety of factors, including leaf size, container size and type, amount of sunlight and room temperature. Plants in a warm, sunny room require more water than plants in cool, shady situations. Plants with large, thick leaves require less water than plants with narrow leaves.
2. Poke your finger into the top of the soil. Most indoor plants need water when the top 2 inches of the soil is dry. If the container is smaller than 6 inches in diameter, water when the top 1/2 inch of soil is dry. The weight if the plant is also a good clue. If the container feels light, the soil is dry, as wet soil is heavier.
3. Water most indoor plants deeply, using lukewarm water, so the soil is saturated. Raise the plant above the drainage saucer so the water can run freely through the drainage hole. Alternatively, place the plant on the drainage saucer, then empty the saucer after five to 10 minutes. Never leave the plant standing in a saucer full of water, as water may wick back into the soil and rot the plant.
4. Water cactus, succulents and plants with thick leaves sparingly, as such plants are susceptible to rot caused by soggy soil. Add water to the top of the soil, providing just enough water to moisten the soil. Alternatively, water the plant from below by putting about 1/4 inch of water in the drainage saucer.
5. Water your indoor plants sparingly during the winter, as the plants are in a dormant period and will require less water. Water most plants only enough to keep the soil from becoming completely dry. Resume normal watering when the days begin to get longer in spring.
Watering Outdoor Plants
6. Learn to evaluate the soil moisture. A clay pot is porous and dries the soil quicker than a glass, ceramic or plastic pot, or a clay pot with an enamel coating. Small pots dry faster than large pots.
7. Check outdoor container plants daily by testing the top of the soil with your finger, especially during hot weather. Container-grown plants are unable to absorb moisture from the ground and dry out quickly.
8. Water outdoor container plants when the top of the soil feels dry to the touch. Never water plants if the soil feels damp, as soggy soil will rot most annuals and perennials grown in containers.
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