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[Home](https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/) 2. [Special Gardens](https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special) 3. [Container Gardens](https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/containers) # Container Plant Watering: How Much And How Often To Water Potted Plants  By [Bonnie L. Grant](https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/author/bonnie-l-grant) last updated June 29, 2021 in [Features](https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/features) When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. [Here’s how it works](https://futureplc.com/terms-conditions/).  water3 (Image credit: MariaAngelaCiucci) Share - Copy link - [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.gardeningknowhow.com%2Fspecial%2Fcontainers%2Fcontainer-plant-watering.htm) - [Whatsapp](whatsapp://send?text=Container+Plant+Watering%3A+How+Much+And+How+Often+To+Water+Potted+Plants+https%3A%2F%2Fwww.gardeningknowhow.com%2Fspecial%2Fcontainers%2Fcontainer-plant-watering.htm?fwa) - [Pinterest](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.gardeningknowhow.com%2Fspecial%2Fcontainers%2Fcontainer-plant-watering.htm&media=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net%2FePgSjkET3crBie5MNbBPZn.jpg) Share this article Join the conversation [Follow us](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=gardeningknowhow.com) Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Gardening tips, videos, info and more delivered right to your inbox\! Sign up for the Gardening Know How newsletter today and receive a free copy of our e-book "How to Grow Delicious Tomatoes". *** By signing up, you agree to our [Terms of services](https:\/\/futureplc.com\/terms-conditions\/) and acknowledge that you have read our [Privacy Notice](https:\/\/futureplc.com\/privacy-policy\/). You also agree to receive marketing emails from us that may include promotions from our trusted partners and sponsors, which you can unsubscribe from at any time. You are now subscribed Your newsletter sign-up was successful *** An account already exists for this email address, please log in. Subscribe to our newsletter It is often difficult to gauge how much water for container garden plants is necessary. There is a fine line between drought and soggy soil, and either one can be detrimental to plant health. Summer is the most difficult time for container plant watering. Some tips and hints can help the gardener determine when to water container plants. Tools like [moisture gauges are helpful for ascertaining how much water](https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/testing-moisture-in-plants.htm) for container garden plants is the healthy amount. ## When to Water Container Plants Potted plants tend to dry out more quickly than their in-ground counterparts. The small soil space and the construction of the pot mean the container stores very little moisture. In general, early morning or early evening is the optimal time to water your containers, as this will give the plant some time to take up the water before the heat of the day kicks in, but it will also allow excess water on the plant to evaporate quickly so that the plant is not vulnerable to fungus. It is also obviously time to water when the soil is dry all the way to the bottom, but this may be too late for the plant. Look for shriveled leaves, limp stems, dropping petals, and dry, discolored leaves. You should check potted plants daily in warm, dry conditions. Usually when the first inch (2.5 cm.) or so of soil is dry, it's a good indication that watering is needed. In summer, watering outdoor potted plants is necessary daily (and even twice a day) for most species, especially when temperatures reach over 85 degrees F. (29 C.). ## How Often to Water Potted Plants If you are consistently checking the pots, you will know when to water the plant. The frequency depends upon the species. [Succulents](https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/cacti-succulents/scgen/outdoor-succulent-garden.htm) and [drought tolerant plants](https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/xeriscape/drought-tolerant-plants-for-nearly-any-landscape.htm) need to be watered less often than annuals and vegetables. Well-established plants can go longer before water than newly installed plants. It is best on most plants to water deeply and slowly, so water can access all parts of the soil and roots. Short, light watering just goes out the drainage holes before the plant can acquire the moisture or the soil can absorb the water. In fact, most potting soils can start to repel water if allowed to completely dry out. Slow and deep watering will not only ensure the water gets to the roots of the plant, but will also force over dry potting soil to absorb water again. If you have accidentally allowed the soil in your container to dry out completely, it would be wise to soak the entire container in a tub of water for a half hour or so in order to force [rehydration of the potting soil](https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/containers/rehydrating-potted-plants.htm). Container plant watering on baskets and [coir](https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/containers/coconut-planter-liners.htm) or moss lined wire cages works best if you dunk the entire container in a bucket of water and let it soak. Article continues below Latest Videos From Gardening Know How You may like - [ Does Your Plant Have a Drinking Problem? Common Signs Of Overwatering Plants and How to Treat Them](https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/environmental/signs-of-plants-affected-by-too-much-water.htm) - [ You're Probably Watering Your Tulips Too Much – Here's How Often to Give Them a Drink for Beautiful Blooms Every Spring](https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/bulbs/tulips/watering-tulip-bulbs.htm) - [ How to Make a Plastic Bottle Plant Waterer: A DIY Irrigation Guide](https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/projects/making-plastic-bottle-irrigator.htm) ## How Much Water for Container Plants The amount of water may vary from species to species. Find out the average moisture needs of your particular plant and then get a moisture gauge. These are very useful tools for container plant watering. The gauge has a probe that you stick into the soil and gives you a reading that rates the soil moisture level. If your plant needs moderately moist soil and the gauge reads in the drier zones, it is time to water. If you practice slow deep irrigation, water until the moisture leaches from the drainage holes. Let the top few inches (8 cm.) of soil dry out before watering again. Knowing how much water for container plants is appropriate is usually a matter of trial and error until you know your particular plant's preferences. ## Tips for Watering Outdoor Potted Plants Container plants outdoors need more water than those indoors. This is because higher temperatures, direct sunlight, and wind dry the soil quickly. These tips will make watering your potted plants easier: - Use glazed pots to help prevent evaporation or place clay pots in another container. - Apply a layer of mulch or rocks to the soil surface to slow moisture loss. - Set up a [drip irrigation system](https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/xeriscape/irrigation-systems-for-xeriscape-environments.htm) for watering outdoor potted plants. This allows for slow, even watering that the soil can absorb before it all runs through the pot and out the drainage holes. - Apply water in early morning or late evening when temperatures are cooler and direct sun will not cook off the moisture before it can seep down to the roots. Gardening tips, videos, info and more delivered right to your inbox\! Sign up for the Gardening Know How newsletter today and receive a free copy of our e-book "How to Grow Delicious Tomatoes". By signing up, you agree to our [Terms of services](https:\/\/futureplc.com\/terms-conditions\/) and acknowledge that you have read our [Privacy Notice](https:\/\/futureplc.com\/privacy-policy\/). You also agree to receive marketing emails from us that may include promotions from our trusted partners and sponsors, which you can unsubscribe from at any time.  [Bonnie L. Grant](https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/author/bonnie-l-grant) Social Links Navigation Writer Bonnie Grant is a professional landscaper with a Certification in Urban Gardening. She has been gardening and writing for 15 years. A former professional chef, she has a passion for edible landscaping. Read more [ Environmental Problems Does Your Plant Have a Drinking Problem? Common Signs Of Overwatering Plants and How to Treat Them](https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/environmental/signs-of-plants-affected-by-too-much-water.htm "Does Your Plant Have a Drinking Problem? Common Signs Of Overwatering Plants and How to Treat Them") [ Tulips You're Probably Watering Your Tulips Too Much – Here's How Often to Give Them a Drink for Beautiful Blooms Every Spring](https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/bulbs/tulips/watering-tulip-bulbs.htm "You're Probably Watering Your Tulips Too Much – Here's How Often to Give Them a Drink for Beautiful Blooms Every Spring") [ Gardening Projects How to Make a Plastic Bottle Plant Waterer: A DIY Irrigation Guide](https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/projects/making-plastic-bottle-irrigator.htm "How to Make a Plastic Bottle Plant Waterer: A DIY Irrigation Guide") [ Houseplants There's a Right (and Wrong) Time to Repot Houseplants – Here’s How to Know When to Do It](https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/the-best-and-worst-times-to-repot-houseplants "There's a Right (and Wrong) Time to Repot Houseplants – Here’s How to Know When to Do It") Latest in Container Gardens [ Container Gardens This Low-Maintenance Potted Plant Delivers Bold Blooms for Months – No Deadheading Required](https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/containers/low-maintenance-potted-plant-heat-tolerant "This Low-Maintenance Potted Plant Delivers Bold Blooms for Months – No Deadheading Required") [ Container Gardens Want a Gorgeous Container Garden on a Budget? Here’s Where to Save (and Where to Splurge!)](https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/containers/container-garden-on-a-budget "Want a Gorgeous Container Garden on a Budget? Here’s Where to Save (and Where to Splurge!)") [ Container Gardens These Unique Air Pruning Pots Could Be the Secret to Bigger, Healthier Container Plants](https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/containers/air-pruning-pots "These Unique Air Pruning Pots Could Be the Secret to Bigger, Healthier Container Plants") [ Container Gardens 9 Best Hanging Planters for Vertical Displays – Super Stylish Picks That Make Your Plants Pop](https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/containers/stylish-planters-and-containers-for-hanging-baskets "9 Best Hanging Planters for Vertical Displays – Super Stylish Picks That Make Your Plants Pop") Latest in Feature [ Beneficial Garden Friends Baby Bird Alert! This Surprising Kitchen Ingredient Will Encourage More Birds to Nest in Your Backyard](https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/beneficial/eggshells-for-birds-help-nesting-birds-in-your-backyard "Baby Bird Alert! This Surprising Kitchen Ingredient Will Encourage More Birds to Nest in Your Backyard") [ Weeds Did You Know You Have a Birth Month Weed? Here’s the Surprising Trait It Reveals About You](https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/weeds/birth-month-weed-meaning "Did You Know You Have a Birth Month Weed? Here’s the Surprising Trait It Reveals About You") [ Flowers These 9 Flowering Plants Look Like Divas – But They’re Actually Super Low-Maintenance](https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/flowering-plants-low-maintenance-divas "These 9 Flowering Plants Look Like Divas – But They’re Actually Super Low-Maintenance") [ Vegetables Sow These 10 Vegetable Seeds Outdoors in April for a Hassle-Free Harvest That Lasts Through Summer and Beyond](https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/vegetable-seeds-to-sow-outdoors-in-april "Sow These 10 Vegetable Seeds Outdoors in April for a Hassle-Free Harvest That Lasts Through Summer and Beyond") Useful links stay in touch - [About us](https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/about-us) - [Contact us](https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/contact-us) - [Job Opportunities](https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/job-opportunities) related - [Advertise](https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/advertising-on-gkh) - [Press](https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/press) Subscribe - [Newsletter](https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/gardening-know-how-newsletter) - [About Us](https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/about-us) - [Contact Future's experts](https://futureplc.com/contact/) - [Terms and Conditions](https://www.futureplc.com/terms-conditions/) - [Privacy Policy](https://www.futureplc.com/privacy-policy/) - [Cookie Policy](https://www.futureplc.com/cookies-policy/) - [Do not sell or share my personal information](https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/privacy-portal) [ Add as a preferred source on Google](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=gardeningknowhow.com) Gardening Know How is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. 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It is often difficult to gauge how much water for container garden plants is necessary. There is a fine line between drought and soggy soil, and either one can be detrimental to plant health. Summer is the most difficult time for container plant watering. Some tips and hints can help the gardener determine when to water container plants. Tools like [moisture gauges are helpful for ascertaining how much water](https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/testing-moisture-in-plants.htm) for container garden plants is the healthy amount. Potted plants tend to dry out more quickly than their in-ground counterparts. The small soil space and the construction of the pot mean the container stores very little moisture. In general, early morning or early evening is the optimal time to water your containers, as this will give the plant some time to take up the water before the heat of the day kicks in, but it will also allow excess water on the plant to evaporate quickly so that the plant is not vulnerable to fungus. It is also obviously time to water when the soil is dry all the way to the bottom, but this may be too late for the plant. Look for shriveled leaves, limp stems, dropping petals, and dry, discolored leaves. You should check potted plants daily in warm, dry conditions. Usually when the first inch (2.5 cm.) or so of soil is dry, it's a good indication that watering is needed. In summer, watering outdoor potted plants is necessary daily (and even twice a day) for most species, especially when temperatures reach over 85 degrees F. (29 C.). ## How Often to Water Potted Plants If you are consistently checking the pots, you will know when to water the plant. The frequency depends upon the species. [Succulents](https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/cacti-succulents/scgen/outdoor-succulent-garden.htm) and [drought tolerant plants](https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/xeriscape/drought-tolerant-plants-for-nearly-any-landscape.htm) need to be watered less often than annuals and vegetables. Well-established plants can go longer before water than newly installed plants. It is best on most plants to water deeply and slowly, so water can access all parts of the soil and roots. Short, light watering just goes out the drainage holes before the plant can acquire the moisture or the soil can absorb the water. In fact, most potting soils can start to repel water if allowed to completely dry out. Slow and deep watering will not only ensure the water gets to the roots of the plant, but will also force over dry potting soil to absorb water again. If you have accidentally allowed the soil in your container to dry out completely, it would be wise to soak the entire container in a tub of water for a half hour or so in order to force [rehydration of the potting soil](https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/containers/rehydrating-potted-plants.htm). Container plant watering on baskets and [coir](https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/containers/coconut-planter-liners.htm) or moss lined wire cages works best if you dunk the entire container in a bucket of water and let it soak. Article continues below Latest Videos From Gardening Know How ## How Much Water for Container Plants The amount of water may vary from species to species. Find out the average moisture needs of your particular plant and then get a moisture gauge. These are very useful tools for container plant watering. The gauge has a probe that you stick into the soil and gives you a reading that rates the soil moisture level. If your plant needs moderately moist soil and the gauge reads in the drier zones, it is time to water. If you practice slow deep irrigation, water until the moisture leaches from the drainage holes. Let the top few inches (8 cm.) of soil dry out before watering again. Knowing how much water for container plants is appropriate is usually a matter of trial and error until you know your particular plant's preferences. ## Tips for Watering Outdoor Potted Plants Container plants outdoors need more water than those indoors. This is because higher temperatures, direct sunlight, and wind dry the soil quickly. These tips will make watering your potted plants easier: - Use glazed pots to help prevent evaporation or place clay pots in another container. - Apply a layer of mulch or rocks to the soil surface to slow moisture loss. - Set up a [drip irrigation system](https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/xeriscape/irrigation-systems-for-xeriscape-environments.htm) for watering outdoor potted plants. This allows for slow, even watering that the soil can absorb before it all runs through the pot and out the drainage holes. - Apply water in early morning or late evening when temperatures are cooler and direct sun will not cook off the moisture before it can seep down to the roots. Sign up for the Gardening Know How newsletter today and receive a free copy of our e-book "How to Grow Delicious Tomatoes".