How often should you water different types of indoor plants? If you love plants but struggle to keep them alive, you are not alone! I have killed a few plants just by watering them too much or too little. Over time, I learned that different indoor plants need different amounts of water. Some love frequent watering, while others prefer dry soil.
Succulents need water once in a while, but ferns like moist soil. Orchids need just the right balance—not too wet, not too dry. Through trial and error, I have figured out when and how to water different plants. In this article, I will share my experience to help you keep your indoor plants happy and healthy!
How Often to Water Indoor Plants: Guide by Plant Type
Indoor Plant Care: Essential Tips on How Often to Water Different Indoor Plants
Taking care of indoor plants is easy if you understand watering. I have killed many plants by overwatering or underwatering. Now, I know exactly how much water each plant needs. Let me share my experience with you.
1. Succulents and Cacti
- I water my succulents every two to three weeks.
- Their thick leaves store water, so they don’t need frequent watering.
- I always check the soil before watering. It must be completely dry.
- Overwatering kills succulents faster than anything else.
- In winter, I water them only once a month.
2. Snake Plant
- My snake plant survives on very little water.
- I water it every two to three weeks in the summer.
- In winter, I water it only once a month.
- The soil must be fully dry before adding more water.
- Too much water can cause root rot.
3. Pothos (Devil’s Ivy)
- Pothos needs water every one to two weeks.
- If the soil feels dry, I water it a little.
- In warmer months, I water it more often.
- The leaves droop when they need water. This is a good sign.
- I avoid letting the soil stay soggy.
4. Peace Lily
- Peace lilies love moisture but hate sitting in water.
- I water mine once a week.
- If the leaves droop, I know it needs water.
- It likes distilled or filtered water best.
- I mist its leaves to keep the humidity high.
5. Fiddle Leaf Fig
- My fiddle leaf fig needs water once a week.
- I check the top two inches of soil before watering.
- If the soil feels dry, I give it water.
- Overwatering can cause brown spots on its leaves.
- I wipe the leaves with a damp cloth to keep them clean.
6. Spider Plant
- My spider plant drinks water once a week.
- It needs slightly moist soil, but not soggy.
- If I forget to water it, the leaves turn brown at the tips.
- In winter, I water it every two weeks.
- It likes filtered water because tap water can cause leaf spots.
7. Aloe Vera
- Aloe vera is like a cactus and hates too much water.
- I water mine every two to three weeks.
- The soil must be completely dry before I water again.
- Too much water makes its leaves mushy.
- In winter, I water it even less.
8. Parlor Palm
- My parlor palm enjoys water once every one to two weeks.
- The soil should be slightly damp but never soaking wet.
- If the leaves turn yellow, I know I watered too much.
- It needs more water in summer than in winter.
- I mist its leaves to keep the humidity high.
9. Rubber Plant
- My rubber plant needs water once a week in the summer.
- In winter, I water it every two weeks.
- Its thick leaves hold moisture, so overwatering can harm it.
- If the leaves turn yellow, I cut back on water.
- I always check the top inch of soil before watering.
10. Orchids
- Orchids need special care when it comes to water.
- I water mine once a week in summer.
- In winter, I water it every two weeks.
- The roots must dry out between waterings.
- I use ice cubes instead of pouring water directly.
11. Boston Fern
- My Boston fern needs water every few days.
- It loves humidity and moist soil.
- If the fronds turn brown, I know it needs more water.
- I mist it every day to keep it happy.
- In winter, I water it less but still keep it moist.
12. ZZ Plant
- The ZZ plant needs very little water.
- I water mine every two to three weeks.
- It stores water in its rhizomes, so overwatering is bad.
- If the leaves turn yellow, I cut back on watering.
- In winter, I water it once a month.
13. Monstera Deliciosa
- My monstera needs water once a week.
- If the top inch of soil is dry, I water it.
- Overwatering can cause root rot.
- It enjoys a bit of humidity, so I mist it sometimes.
- The leaves droop when they need water.
14. Calathea
- Calathea needs water every few days.
- I never let the soil dry out completely.
- It loves filtered or distilled water, not tap water.
- Too much water can cause root rot, so I am careful.
- I mist it often because it loves humidity.
15. Jade Plant
- The jade plant is like a succulent and needs little water.
- I water it every two to three weeks.
- The soil must be dry before I water again.
- Too much water makes its leaves fall off.
- In winter, I water it only once a month.
General Tips for Watering Indoor Plants
Always check the soil before watering. If the top inch of soil is dry, most plants need water. Use a well-draining pot to avoid soggy roots. Adjust watering based on the season. More water is needed in summer, less in winter. Avoid using cold water; room temperature water is best. Overwatering is worse than underwatering for most plants.
The Best Time to Water Plants: My Personal Experience
I have learned that watering plants at the right time is important. It helps them grow strong and stay healthy. Over the years, I have made mistakes and learned from them. Now, I want to share my experience with you.
Morning is the Best Time
I always water my plants early in the morning. The air is cool, and the sun is not too strong. Plants absorb water better when it is not too hot. Watering in the morning keeps plants fresh all day. The soil stays moist for a long time. Leaves dry quickly, which prevents diseases like fungus. I noticed my plants grow better when I water them early.
Evening is the Second Best Option
Sometimes, I forget to water my plants in the morning. In that case, I water them in the evening. The sun is low, so water does not evaporate fast. The soil stays damp, and roots can drink water overnight. But, I make sure the leaves are dry before night. Wet leaves at night can cause mold or fungus.
Afternoon is the Worst Time
I used to water my plants in the afternoon. But I noticed the water evaporates too fast.
The soil dries quickly, and plants stay thirsty. Sometimes, leaves get burned by the hot sun. I learned that afternoon watering does not help plants much. Now, I avoid watering them at noon or in the early afternoon.
How Often Should You Water?
I check my plants every day to see if they need water. Some plants need water every day, while others need it less. I touch the soil to feel if it is dry. If the soil is dry, I water the plant. If the soil is still wet, I wait another day. Overwatering can harm plants, so I water only when needed.
How Much Water Is Enough?
I make sure the soil is moist but not flooded. Too much water can drown the roots and cause rot. Too little water can make plants dry and weak. I water deeply so the roots can grow strong. For small pots, a little water is enough. For large plants, I pour more water to reach the roots.
Different Plants Need Different Amounts
I have many types of plants, and they need different care. Succulents need little water because they store water in their leaves. Flowering plants need more water, especially in the summer. Vegetables need frequent watering to grow well. Indoor plants need less water than outdoor plants. I always check the plant type before watering.
Best Ways to Water Plants
I use a watering can for small pots. A garden hose works well for large outdoor plants. I water at the base of the plant, not the leaves. This helps water go directly to the roots. Sprinklers work well for grass and large gardens. A drip irrigation system saves water and keeps plants happy.
What I Learned Over the Years
Watering in the morning is the best choice. Evening watering is okay if needed. Afternoon watering is not good because of the heat. Checking the soil before watering helps prevent overwatering. Different plants need different amounts of water. Water deeply to help roots grow strong. Using the right tools makes watering easier and better.
Watering plants seems easy, but it takes practice to do it right. I have learned from my own mistakes. Now, I know how to keep my plants happy and healthy. Here are my best watering tips that work for me every time.
1. Know When to Water
- I always check the soil before watering my plants.
- I stick my finger one inch into the soil.
- If it feels dry, I water the plant.
- If it feels damp, I wait a day or two.
- Some plants like dry soil, while others need more moisture.
2. Use the Right Amount of Water
- I never guess how much water to use.
- Too much water drowns the roots.
- Too little water makes the plant dry and weak.
- I pour slowly and stop when water drains from the bottom.
- Each plant has different needs, so I adjust accordingly.
3. Water in the Morning
- I water my plants early in the morning.
- The soil stays moist longer this way.
- Watering at night can cause mold and fungus.
- Sunlight helps plants absorb water better during the day.
4. Use the Right Water
- I avoid using cold or hot water.
- Room temperature water is best for plants.
- Tap water is fine, but I let it sit overnight.
- This helps remove chemicals like chlorine that can harm plants.
- Rainwater is also great for plants if I can collect it.
5. Water the Soil, Not the Leaves
- I always pour water directly onto the soil.
- Wet leaves can cause disease and fungus.
- If leaves get wet, I dry them with a cloth.
- Spraying water on leaves is good for humidity-loving plants.
- I use a misting spray for those types of plants.
6. Choose the Right Pot
- I always use pots with drainage holes.
- This prevents extra water from sitting at the bottom.
- Too much water in the pot leads to root rot.
- If a pot has no holes, I add small rocks at the bottom.
- This helps water drain and keeps roots healthy.
7. Use Self-Watering Pots for Busy Days
- I sometimes forget to water my plants on busy days.
- Self-watering pots save me from worrying.
- They give plants the right amount of water.
- I only refill the pot’s reservoir when it’s empty.
- This works well for plants that need steady moisture.
8. Be Careful with Overwatering
- I used to think more water meant healthier plants.
- I learned that too much water is harmful.
- Overwatered plants get yellow leaves and soft stems.
- I let the soil dry before watering again.
- If roots rot, I trim them and repot the plant.
9. Group Plants with Similar Needs
- I grouped plants that needed the same amount of water.
- This makes watering easier and prevents mistakes.
- Succulents and cacti stay in one area with little water.
- Ferns and tropical plants stay in another area with more moisture.
- This way, each plant gets the care it needs.
10. Adjust Watering Based on the Season
- I water more in the summer when it’s hot and dry.
- In winter, plants need less water because they grow more slowly.
- I check the soil more often in spring and fall.
- Seasonal changes affect how much water plants need.
- I adjust my watering schedule based on the weather.
11. Use Mulch to Keep Soil Moist
- I add mulch to my plant pots and garden.
- Mulch helps the soil stay moist longer.
- It also keeps weeds from growing around my plants.
- I use small wood chips, coconut husks, or pebbles.
- This saves me from watering too often.
12. Use a Watering Can with a Spout
- I avoid using cups or glasses to water my plants.
- A watering can with a spout gives better control.
- It helps me direct water right to the soil.
- I don’t splash water on leaves or make a mess.
- A good watering can makes plant care easier.
13. Know Your Plant’s Natural Habitat
- I learned where my plants come from.
- Desert plants need less water and drier soil.
- Rainforest plants like constant moisture and high humidity.
- Knowing this helps me water them correctly.
- I try to copy their natural environment as much as possible.
14. Look for Signs of Thirsty Plants
- Droopy leaves often mean my plant needs water.
- Dry, crispy leaves mean the plant is too dry.
- I touch the soil to confirm before watering.
- Some plants, like succulents, wrinkle when thirsty.
- I watch my plants closely to know when they need water.
15. Mist Tropical Plants for Humidity
- Some plants love moisture in the air.
- I mist my ferns, orchids, and calatheas often.
- A small spray bottle works well for this.
- I mist in the morning, so leaves dry by night.
- Too much misting can cause mold, so I do it lightly.
16. Water Deeply but Less Often
- I water deeply so roots grow strong and deep.
- Light watering only wets the topsoil.
- Deep watering helps plants grow healthier.
- I let the water soak down to the roots.
- This way, I don’t have to water it as often.
17. Try Bottom Watering for Some Plants
- Some plants absorb water better from the bottom.
- I place pots in a shallow tray of water.
- The soil soaks up water through the drainage holes.
- After 10-15 minutes, I remove the pot.
- This method works well for African violets and ferns.
18. Use Ice Cubes for Delicate Plants
- I use ice cubes to water orchids and peace lilies.
- The ice melts slowly, giving steady moisture.
- This prevents overwatering and root rot.
- I place 2-3 ice cubes on the soil.
- It’s an easy trick for delicate plants.
19. Keep a Watering Schedule
- I set reminders to check my plants every few days.
- Some plants need weekly watering, others need daily care.
- A schedule helps me stay on track.
- I write notes if I change the watering routine.
- Consistency keeps my plants happy and growing.
20. Observe and Adjust
- Every plant is different, so I watch and learn.
- If a plant looks weak, I check its watering needs.
- Too much or too little water causes problems.
- I adjust based on what my plants tell me.
- Plants thrive when I give them the right care.
Final Thoughts
Watering indoor plants is simple once you learn their needs. Some plants need frequent watering, while others survive with little water. I always check the soil first and adjust my watering routine. If you follow these tips, your plants will stay happy and healthy!
FAQ
How often should I water indoor plants?
Water indoor plants once or twice a week. Check the soil before watering.
How do you know if a plant needs watering?
Touch the soil with your finger. If it feels dry, water it.
Is it better to water plants longer or more often?
Watering deeply is better. It helps roots grow strong and healthy.
How often should you water indoor plants in winter?
Water indoor plants less in winter. They need water every two weeks.
How often should you water your indoor plants?
Most indoor plants need water once a week. Always check the soil first.
Indoor plant watering chart
Different plants need different amounts of water. A chart helps track watering.
Indoor plants that need water every day
Thirsty plants like ferns and peace lilies need daily watering. Always check the soil.
How often should you water indoor plants in the summer?
Water more often in summer. Most plants need water twice a week.
How often do you water indoor plants in the fall?
Water less in the fall. Most plants need water once a week.
How many times should I water my plants in a day?
Most plants need watering once a day or less. Check the soil first.
