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| Meta Title | Most People Water Their Houseplants Too Much: Here's Exactly What To Do |
| Meta Description | Ditch the watering schedule and follow this rule instead. It will help you decide whether or not your plant is dried out and how much water it needs. |
| Meta Canonical | null |
| Boilerpipe Text | Author:
June 24, 2021
June 24, 2021
We carefully vet all products and services featured on mindbodygreen using our
commerce guidelines.
Our selections are never influenced by the commissions earned from our links.
Most of the time when people notice their houseplants getting droopy or discolored, it's a watering issue. Too little water and your plant will lack the nutrients it needs to grow strong. But too much water and its roots will be deprived of oxygen.
Striking a moisturized middle ground usually isn't too tough; it just takes some intuition and a dash of plant know-how.
Here, two experts with a combined 275-plus houseplants between them explain how to decide when to water all your plant pals.
How to tell if your plant needs water:
Plant pros
Monai Nailah McCullough
, the horticulturist behindÂ
Planthood
, andÂ
Paul Thompson, M.A
., NYC-based plant expert and chemistry teacher, agree that it's best to ditch a structured schedule in favor of a more intuitive watering style.
mindbodygreen Functional Nutrition Training
"It's not a one-size-fits-all for watering. It really depends on the need of the plant, how much light it's getting, the type of soil, all that," Thompson tells mbg. He adds that your plants' watering needs will also change throughout the year as different seasons lend different light levels.
These three strategies can help you tell if your plant needs water or not:
1.
Feel the soil with your finger or a chopstick.
This is the easiest way to gauge how much moisture is in your plant's soil, as all it requires is an index finger.
"Use your finger like you would a cake test," McCullough says. Stick it about 2 inches into your plant's soil (a good way down your finger) and feel around. If the soil is totally dry to the touch, it needs water. If it's still wet, move on and wait to water another day.
If you don't want to go by feel alone, you can also observe what your finger looks like after this little probe. "If you stick your finger in and there's water, you'll have some dirt on your finger when it comes up. If you don't, the soil is pretty dry."
Again, think cake-tester: Residue on your finger means that the plant needs to go "back into the oven" so to speak, and dry out a little more before it's ready for watering.
Advertisement
This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features.
For those who don't want to get dirty, using
a chopstick
for this would work too. No matter the tool you're using for this method, it's important to really get in there. Don't just graze the surface level of the soil; get down to root level.
And don't worry about disturbing your plant—chances are it will appreciate the extra aeration, which keeps its soil from getting compacted over time.
2.
Use a moisture probe.
For an extra level of assurance, you can buy a moisture probe. These
small, inexpensive gadgets
you can find online or in a garden store for under $10 are basically thermometers for your plants: They give you a quick reading on how much moisture the soil has on a scale of 1 to 10. Any less than a 3 and the soil is dry and needs to be watered.
A few nice things about moisture probes: They're more exact than the finger test and give you more information about the moisture differences between soil levels. You can stick the probe in the topsoil and then compare that reading to the number you get lower down in your pot.
Getting a similar reading throughout the plant shows that you're doing a good job watering evenly. If your soil moisture levels are patchy, you might need to readjust your watering technique (more on that below).
Advertisement
This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features.
3.
Feel how much your plant weighs.
Another way to gauge if your plant needs water is to lift it up. Get to know how heavy it is right after a good watering, and how light it feels when it's totally dry. Then, lift between waterings to get a sense of how it's doing.
This method isn't as exact and should probably be combined with steps 1 or 2, especially for newer plants that you're still getting to know.
Watering rules to follow:
These golden rules of watering can help you make sure you're giving your plant the perfect amount of moisture every time:
1.
Check on your plants often.
Checking on your plants regularly will ensure that you're giving them water right when they need it. You can get into the habit of checking in on your plants when you wake up (
the morning tends to be the best time to water them
) or at night.
If you don't want to do a daily check, loosely grouping your plants by their watering needs—i.e., putting all your
desert succulents
in one place and
moisture-loving ferns
in another—can help you stay organized.
In that case, you'd want to observe your thirsty ferns every week or so but could get away with going longer between succulent checks.
Advertisement
This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features.
2.
Water less often, but more thoroughly.
Watering less frequently but more thoroughly is usually better for your plants, McCullough and Thompson agree. Plants tend to prefer a good soak over a quick drink. This might mean that you are watering your plants less often, and that's fine; better that than watering too frequently.
3.
Wait until you see water coming out of your pot's drainage hole.
The key to a successful soak is making sure that the entire pot of soil is nice and wet after every watering. You'll know this has happened once the water starts to come out of your pot's drainage hole (
every pot should have one of these
!).
Then, give your plant a few minutes to drink up the water that's collected in its saucer. If there's any water left after 15 minutes, dump it in the sink. Your plant doesn't need it, and leaving it sitting there could drown out the roots.
4.
Use room-temperature water.
Every time you water, gently cover your topsoil with a steady stream of room-temperature water, moving around to ensure an even coat. Water that is too hot or too cold could shock your plant. Tap water is usually fine, but if you have especially hard water at home, you might want to use distilled to avoid nutrient imbalances.
Advertisement
This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features.
5.
Look out for signs of overwatering.
Potential
signs that you've overwatered
include yellowing leaves; soft, squishy leaves; brown edges; and
pests
, depending on the plant. Thompson says that overwatering is the No. 1 cause of plant death, so his rule of thumb is "I always say that if you want to show your plant love,
give it good light
. Don't give it water."
But again, if you feel you keep tabs on soil moisture, water only when your plant really needs it, and stop watering once you see water coming out of your pot, you should have some happy plants on your hands.
Watering outdoor vs. indoor plants:
Outdoor plants typically require less water than indoor plants, since they get rainwater every so often. However, if you live in a hot, sunny, dry area, you may need to give your outdoor plants more attention than your indoor ones. Outdoor container plants tend to dry out quicker than those in the ground.
The same general rules apply for watering outdoor plants as indoor ones: Make sure the soil is dry to the touch first, and soak it thoroughly until water starts running out of your pot's drainage hole. For garden plants, water thoroughly, until the surrounding soil is moist. You don't have to worry about overwatering plants in the garden as much, but wilted leaves could be a sign you've gone too far.
Summary
Knowing when to water is an essential part of plant care. Instead of following a set schedule, experts recommend feeling your plant's soil (either with your fingers, a chopstick, or a moisture probe) to determine whether or not it needs to be watered. This more intuitive type of plant care will reduce the risk of overwatering and better acquaint you with your individual plants and their needs. |
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# How To Tell If Your Plants Are Thirsty + 5 Top Watering Tips
[](https://www.mindbodygreen.com/wc/emma-loewe)
Author:
[Emma Loewe]()
June 24, 2021
[](https://www.mindbodygreen.com/wc/emma-loewe)
[By Emma Loewe](https://www.mindbodygreen.com/wc/emma-loewe "Emma Loewe")
mbg Contributor
Emma Loewe is the former Sustainability and Health Director at mindbodygreen. She is the author of "Return to Nature: The New Science of How Natural Landscapes Restore Us" and the co-author of "The Spirit Almanac: A Modern Guide To Ancient Self Care." Emma received her B.A. in Environmental Science & Policy with a specialty in environmental communications from Duke University. In addition to penning over 1,500 mbg articles on topics from the water crisis in California to the rise of urban beekeeping, her work has appeared on Grist, Bloomberg News, Bustle, and Forbes.
[How to tell if your plant needs water](https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/how-often-should-you-water-plants#mbg-5qnZ5Ltjk)
[5 top watering rules](https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/how-often-should-you-water-plants#mbg-AyslvECQx_)
[Watering indoor vs. outdoor plants](https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/how-often-should-you-water-plants#mbg-lJajeQvIQc)
June 24, 2021
We carefully vet all products and services featured on mindbodygreen using our [commerce guidelines.](https://www.mindbodygreen.com/commerce-guidelines "mindbodygreen Commerce Guidlines") Our selections are never influenced by the commissions earned from our links.
Most of the time when people notice their houseplants getting droopy or discolored, it's a watering issue. Too little water and your plant will lack the nutrients it needs to grow strong. But too much water and its roots will be deprived of oxygen.
Striking a moisturized middle ground usually isn't too tough; it just takes some intuition and a dash of plant know-how.
Here, two experts with a combined 275-plus houseplants between them explain how to decide when to water all your plant pals.
## How to tell if your plant needs water:
Plant pros [Monai Nailah McCullough](https://www.instagram.com/plantmom.amsterdam/), the horticulturist behind [Planthood](https://www.plant-hood.com/), and [Paul Thompson, M.A](https://www.instagram.com/plantmepaul/)., NYC-based plant expert and chemistry teacher, agree that it's best to ditch a structured schedule in favor of a more intuitive watering style.
## mindbodygreen Functional Nutrition Training
Learn how to use food as medicine with a cutting-edge nutrition deep dive taught by the world's foremost health & wellness experts. Learn more about [mindbodygreen's Functional Nutrition Training](https://institute.mindbodygreen.com/functional-nutrition-training?itc_content=43317 "mindbodygreen's Functional Nutrition Training").
"It's not a one-size-fits-all for watering. It really depends on the need of the plant, how much light it's getting, the type of soil, all that," Thompson tells mbg. He adds that your plants' watering needs will also change throughout the year as different seasons lend different light levels.
These three strategies can help you tell if your plant needs water or not:
1\.
### Feel the soil with your finger or a chopstick.
This is the easiest way to gauge how much moisture is in your plant's soil, as all it requires is an index finger.
"Use your finger like you would a cake test," McCullough says. Stick it about 2 inches into your plant's soil (a good way down your finger) and feel around. If the soil is totally dry to the touch, it needs water. If it's still wet, move on and wait to water another day.
If you don't want to go by feel alone, you can also observe what your finger looks like after this little probe. "If you stick your finger in and there's water, you'll have some dirt on your finger when it comes up. If you don't, the soil is pretty dry."
Again, think cake-tester: Residue on your finger means that the plant needs to go "back into the oven" so to speak, and dry out a little more before it's ready for watering.
##### Advertisement
This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features.
For those who don't want to get dirty, using [a chopstick](https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/how-to-use-chopsticks-to-aerate-compacted-soil) for this would work too. No matter the tool you're using for this method, it's important to really get in there. Don't just graze the surface level of the soil; get down to root level.
And don't worry about disturbing your plant—chances are it will appreciate the extra aeration, which keeps its soil from getting compacted over time.
2\.
### Use a moisture probe.
For an extra level of assurance, you can buy a moisture probe. These [small, inexpensive gadgets](https://www.amazon.com/Dr-meter-Moisture-Hygrometer-Outdoor-S10/dp/B00PTLGKSQ/ref=asc_df_B00PTLGKSQ/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?tag=mind0a3-20) you can find online or in a garden store for under \$10 are basically thermometers for your plants: They give you a quick reading on how much moisture the soil has on a scale of 1 to 10. Any less than a 3 and the soil is dry and needs to be watered.
A few nice things about moisture probes: They're more exact than the finger test and give you more information about the moisture differences between soil levels. You can stick the probe in the topsoil and then compare that reading to the number you get lower down in your pot.
Getting a similar reading throughout the plant shows that you're doing a good job watering evenly. If your soil moisture levels are patchy, you might need to readjust your watering technique (more on that below).
##### Advertisement
This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features.
3\.
### Feel how much your plant weighs.
Another way to gauge if your plant needs water is to lift it up. Get to know how heavy it is right after a good watering, and how light it feels when it's totally dry. Then, lift between waterings to get a sense of how it's doing.
This method isn't as exact and should probably be combined with steps 1 or 2, especially for newer plants that you're still getting to know.
## Watering rules to follow:
These golden rules of watering can help you make sure you're giving your plant the perfect amount of moisture every time:
1\.
### Check on your plants often.
Checking on your plants regularly will ensure that you're giving them water right when they need it. You can get into the habit of checking in on your plants when you wake up ([the morning tends to be the best time to water them](https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/best-time-of-day-to-water-your-houseplants)) or at night.
If you don't want to do a daily check, loosely grouping your plants by their watering needs—i.e., putting all your [desert succulents](https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/how-to-water-succulents) in one place and [moisture-loving ferns](https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/maidenhair-fern-care-tips) in another—can help you stay organized.
In that case, you'd want to observe your thirsty ferns every week or so but could get away with going longer between succulent checks.
##### Advertisement
This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features.
2\.
### Water less often, but more thoroughly.
Watering less frequently but more thoroughly is usually better for your plants, McCullough and Thompson agree. Plants tend to prefer a good soak over a quick drink. This might mean that you are watering your plants less often, and that's fine; better that than watering too frequently.
3\.
### Wait until you see water coming out of your pot's drainage hole.
The key to a successful soak is making sure that the entire pot of soil is nice and wet after every watering. You'll know this has happened once the water starts to come out of your pot's drainage hole ([every pot should have one of these](https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/why-houseplant-pots-need-drainage-holes)!).
Then, give your plant a few minutes to drink up the water that's collected in its saucer. If there's any water left after 15 minutes, dump it in the sink. Your plant doesn't need it, and leaving it sitting there could drown out the roots.
4\.
### Use room-temperature water.
Every time you water, gently cover your topsoil with a steady stream of room-temperature water, moving around to ensure an even coat. Water that is too hot or too cold could shock your plant. Tap water is usually fine, but if you have especially hard water at home, you might want to use distilled to avoid nutrient imbalances.
##### Advertisement
This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features.
5\.
### Look out for signs of overwatering.
Potential [signs that you've overwatered](https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/signs-of-an-overwatered-plant) include yellowing leaves; soft, squishy leaves; brown edges; and [pests](https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/how-to-get-rid-of-pests-in-your-plants), depending on the plant. Thompson says that overwatering is the No. 1 cause of plant death, so his rule of thumb is "I always say that if you want to show your plant love, [give it good light](https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/how-to-give-your-houseplants-bright-indirect-light). Don't give it water."
But again, if you feel you keep tabs on soil moisture, water only when your plant really needs it, and stop watering once you see water coming out of your pot, you should have some happy plants on your hands.
## Watering outdoor vs. indoor plants:
Outdoor plants typically require less water than indoor plants, since they get rainwater every so often. However, if you live in a hot, sunny, dry area, you may need to give your outdoor plants more attention than your indoor ones. Outdoor container plants tend to dry out quicker than those in the ground.
The same general rules apply for watering outdoor plants as indoor ones: Make sure the soil is dry to the touch first, and soak it thoroughly until water starts running out of your pot's drainage hole. For garden plants, water thoroughly, until the surrounding soil is moist. You don't have to worry about overwatering plants in the garden as much, but wilted leaves could be a sign you've gone too far.
### Summary
Knowing when to water is an essential part of plant care. Instead of following a set schedule, experts recommend feeling your plant's soil (either with your fingers, a chopstick, or a moisture probe) to determine whether or not it needs to be watered. This more intuitive type of plant care will reduce the risk of overwatering and better acquaint you with your individual plants and their needs.
##### Advertisement
This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features.
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Author:
June 24, 2021
[](https://www.mindbodygreen.com/wc/emma-loewe)
June 24, 2021 We carefully vet all products and services featured on mindbodygreen using our [commerce guidelines.](https://www.mindbodygreen.com/commerce-guidelines "mindbodygreen Commerce Guidlines") Our selections are never influenced by the commissions earned from our links.Most of the time when people notice their houseplants getting droopy or discolored, it's a watering issue. Too little water and your plant will lack the nutrients it needs to grow strong. But too much water and its roots will be deprived of oxygen.Striking a moisturized middle ground usually isn't too tough; it just takes some intuition and a dash of plant know-how.Here, two experts with a combined 275-plus houseplants between them explain how to decide when to water all your plant pals.How to tell if your plant needs water:Plant pros [Monai Nailah McCullough](https://www.instagram.com/plantmom.amsterdam/), the horticulturist behind [Planthood](https://www.plant-hood.com/), and [Paul Thompson, M.A](https://www.instagram.com/plantmepaul/)., NYC-based plant expert and chemistry teacher, agree that it's best to ditch a structured schedule in favor of a more intuitive watering style.mindbodygreen Functional Nutrition Training"It's not a one-size-fits-all for watering. It really depends on the need of the plant, how much light it's getting, the type of soil, all that," Thompson tells mbg. He adds that your plants' watering needs will also change throughout the year as different seasons lend different light levels.These three strategies can help you tell if your plant needs water or not:1\. Feel the soil with your finger or a chopstick.This is the easiest way to gauge how much moisture is in your plant's soil, as all it requires is an index finger."Use your finger like you would a cake test," McCullough says. Stick it about 2 inches into your plant's soil (a good way down your finger) and feel around. If the soil is totally dry to the touch, it needs water. If it's still wet, move on and wait to water another day.If you don't want to go by feel alone, you can also observe what your finger looks like after this little probe. "If you stick your finger in and there's water, you'll have some dirt on your finger when it comes up. If you don't, the soil is pretty dry."Again, think cake-tester: Residue on your finger means that the plant needs to go "back into the oven" so to speak, and dry out a little more before it's ready for watering.Advertisement This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features.For those who don't want to get dirty, using [a chopstick](https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/how-to-use-chopsticks-to-aerate-compacted-soil) for this would work too. No matter the tool you're using for this method, it's important to really get in there. Don't just graze the surface level of the soil; get down to root level.And don't worry about disturbing your plant—chances are it will appreciate the extra aeration, which keeps its soil from getting compacted over time.2\. Use a moisture probe.For an extra level of assurance, you can buy a moisture probe. These [small, inexpensive gadgets](https://www.amazon.com/Dr-meter-Moisture-Hygrometer-Outdoor-S10/dp/B00PTLGKSQ/ref=asc_df_B00PTLGKSQ/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?tag=mind0a3-20) you can find online or in a garden store for under \$10 are basically thermometers for your plants: They give you a quick reading on how much moisture the soil has on a scale of 1 to 10. Any less than a 3 and the soil is dry and needs to be watered.A few nice things about moisture probes: They're more exact than the finger test and give you more information about the moisture differences between soil levels. You can stick the probe in the topsoil and then compare that reading to the number you get lower down in your pot.Getting a similar reading throughout the plant shows that you're doing a good job watering evenly. If your soil moisture levels are patchy, you might need to readjust your watering technique (more on that below).Advertisement This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features.3\. Feel how much your plant weighs.Another way to gauge if your plant needs water is to lift it up. Get to know how heavy it is right after a good watering, and how light it feels when it's totally dry. Then, lift between waterings to get a sense of how it's doing.This method isn't as exact and should probably be combined with steps 1 or 2, especially for newer plants that you're still getting to know.Watering rules to follow:These golden rules of watering can help you make sure you're giving your plant the perfect amount of moisture every time:1\. Check on your plants often.Checking on your plants regularly will ensure that you're giving them water right when they need it. You can get into the habit of checking in on your plants when you wake up ([the morning tends to be the best time to water them](https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/best-time-of-day-to-water-your-houseplants)) or at night.If you don't want to do a daily check, loosely grouping your plants by their watering needs—i.e., putting all your [desert succulents](https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/how-to-water-succulents) in one place and [moisture-loving ferns](https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/maidenhair-fern-care-tips) in another—can help you stay organized.In that case, you'd want to observe your thirsty ferns every week or so but could get away with going longer between succulent checks.Advertisement This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features.2\. Water less often, but more thoroughly.Watering less frequently but more thoroughly is usually better for your plants, McCullough and Thompson agree. Plants tend to prefer a good soak over a quick drink. This might mean that you are watering your plants less often, and that's fine; better that than watering too frequently.3\. Wait until you see water coming out of your pot's drainage hole.The key to a successful soak is making sure that the entire pot of soil is nice and wet after every watering. You'll know this has happened once the water starts to come out of your pot's drainage hole ([every pot should have one of these](https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/why-houseplant-pots-need-drainage-holes)!).Then, give your plant a few minutes to drink up the water that's collected in its saucer. If there's any water left after 15 minutes, dump it in the sink. Your plant doesn't need it, and leaving it sitting there could drown out the roots.4\. Use room-temperature water.Every time you water, gently cover your topsoil with a steady stream of room-temperature water, moving around to ensure an even coat. Water that is too hot or too cold could shock your plant. Tap water is usually fine, but if you have especially hard water at home, you might want to use distilled to avoid nutrient imbalances.Advertisement This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features.5\. Look out for signs of overwatering.Potential [signs that you've overwatered](https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/signs-of-an-overwatered-plant) include yellowing leaves; soft, squishy leaves; brown edges; and [pests](https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/how-to-get-rid-of-pests-in-your-plants), depending on the plant. Thompson says that overwatering is the No. 1 cause of plant death, so his rule of thumb is "I always say that if you want to show your plant love, [give it good light](https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/how-to-give-your-houseplants-bright-indirect-light). Don't give it water."But again, if you feel you keep tabs on soil moisture, water only when your plant really needs it, and stop watering once you see water coming out of your pot, you should have some happy plants on your hands.Watering outdoor vs. indoor plants:Outdoor plants typically require less water than indoor plants, since they get rainwater every so often. However, if you live in a hot, sunny, dry area, you may need to give your outdoor plants more attention than your indoor ones. Outdoor container plants tend to dry out quicker than those in the ground.The same general rules apply for watering outdoor plants as indoor ones: Make sure the soil is dry to the touch first, and soak it thoroughly until water starts running out of your pot's drainage hole. For garden plants, water thoroughly, until the surrounding soil is moist. You don't have to worry about overwatering plants in the garden as much, but wilted leaves could be a sign you've gone too far.Summary Knowing when to water is an essential part of plant care. Instead of following a set schedule, experts recommend feeling your plant's soil (either with your fingers, a chopstick, or a moisture probe) to determine whether or not it needs to be watered. This more intuitive type of plant care will reduce the risk of overwatering and better acquaint you with your individual plants and their needs. |
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