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| Meta Title | How Often to Water Indoor Plants |
| Meta Description | Do you know when it's time to water your plants? And how much water to give? Find out how to check the soil, and most importantly, how not to overwater! |
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| Boilerpipe Text | All plants need water
. You will have to water your indoor plants.
But
how to tell if your plant needs water? And how much water?
Many people water their plants on a schedule, like once a week on Sunday morning. But is your plant actually thirsty every Sunday morning?
Or what happens is that the plant is looking sad, so it is watered. The next day it still doesn’t look happy, so it is watered again. And maybe again in another two days.
This is too much. And will only make things worse.
Need a plant care refresher? Check out the
Beginners Guide to Basic Houseplant Care.
It will tell you all you need to know to take care of all your indoor plants.
This lady once told me,
I’ve been watering my plant every day. I don’t know why it died.
Well, I do.
The roots drowned in all that water.
No shame. It happens.
It’s just a matter of
knowing basic plant watering guidelines
, and it will be much easier to keep your plants alive!
6 Important Plant Watering Tips
With a few exceptions to the rule,
most houseplants will thrive if you water them by following these
simple guidelines
.
Always keep plants in pots with
drainage holes
on the bottom.
Water only after you’ve
checked the soil
.
You should water the plant
until water comes out
of the drainage holes.
Don’t let the pot sit in standing water.
Water and fertilizer are not magic plant fixers.
Too much of it can actually do your plant more harm than good.
Water your plants very
sparingly in winter
.
Going on vacation this summer? Find out how you can
water your plants while you are away
.
How to Tell if a Plant Needs Water
Some plants need the soil to be completely dry before you water it. Other plants like their soil to be consistently moist (but never soggy!).
There are a few ways to know when it’s time to water your plants.
First,
look at the leaves.
Get to know your plant. Inspect it, and don’t be afraid to touch it.
Healthy plants have firm leaves.
They often droop or wrinkle and feel limp when the plant is thirsty.
Lift the plant up.
Pot and all.Â
Does it feel heavy?
If it does, there is still enough water in the soil.
Light as a feather?
The plant is dry and asking for water.
Check the soil.
Stick your finger into the potting soil, down to your first knuckle. If it feels moist, don’t water it yet. Wait one or two days and check again.
If you are unsure, you can buy a
moisture meter
to help you out.
Related reading:
How to use a moisture meter for your plants
.
If you have succulents or cacti in your plant collection, watering is a bit different.
They come from hot and dry places and don’t like to be watered too often. This is great if you tend to forget to water your plants. Read more to learn
how to water indoor succulents
, or go to
how to water indoor cacti
.
How Much to Water Plants
When it’s time to water,
give your plant a generous soak.
Always
water until the water comes out of the bottom of the pot
.
Think about it. We’re mimicking the plants’ original habitat. Watering the plant is to make it rain.
If there is any excess water on the drip saucer after watering, empty it. Don’t keep the pot in standing water.
In summer, when plants are actively growing, they need more water than when it’s winter, and they are in their resting period.
Also, plants in clay terra cotta pots need to be watered more frequently than pots in plastic containers. Moisture evaporates through the sides of the terra cotta pot, and stays trapped in a plastic container.
Plants in small pots need watering more often than plants in larger pots.
Hot summer?
There are a few things you can do to
help your plants get through a heatwave
.
Adding Fertilizer When Watering
Most indoor plants like some diluted fertilizer added to their water about
once a month in spring and summer
.
Don’t fertilize in winter
when most plants go dormant and growth slows down. Â
Also never fertilize if your plant is recently repotted or is having issues.
Fertilizer is not a plant medicine
. It will only stress out an already stressed-out plant. Analyze, adjust, and when your plant recovers, continue your normal care routine. Â
Some plants are
sensitive to chlorine in tap water
, causing brown leaf tips. Use distilled or purified water instead. Even better is to use rainwater. If this is not practical, leave tap water out for a day or two in an open container to release the chemicals, before watering the plant.Â
What is Overwatering?
Overwatering is the
most common issue
in houseplant care.
To be clear, overwatering
does not mean
giving too much water at once.
Overwatering does mean watering too often, keeping the soil continually too moist.
The soil needs to get the time to dry out slightly between waterings.
Frequent overwatering can lead to
root rot problems
. If roots rot, they lose the ability to absorb water and can’t supply any water to the plant.Â
Unfortunately, root rot is irreversible, but if you catch it early enough, you can still save your plant by propagating any parts that are still healthy.
Signs of an Overwatered Plant
The most common signs of an overwatered plant, are
yellow, wilted leaves, in combination with soggy soil.
The wilting leaves can resemble signs of too little water. When you see the leaves drooping, it might be tempting to give more water. But don’t. Check the soil first. If it’s still moist your plant might be in trouble.
Soft leaves, mushy stems, and mold
on the soil can also be signs of overwatering.
Yellow leaves will eventually fall off. Adding more water will only speed up the deterioration.
If there is root rot, the
roots will be brown or black and mushy
. They might even have an unpleasant scent.
How to Save an Overwatered Plant?
Don’t lose hope if you have overwatered your potted plant. You might still be able to save your plant.
If you catch it early enough, remove any yellow leaves and let the soil dry out before watering again. Adjust your watering routine going forward.Â
If the situation is worse, you might have to remove rotted roots and
repot your plant
in fresh dry soil.
If it’s too late to save your plant, see if any parts of the plant have not been affected yet. Cut those off and propagate as cuttings.
Drooping leaves on a severely underwatered Croton plant.
What is Underwatering
You have
underwatered your plant
if the leaves are drooping, wilting, or shriveling, and it has been a while since the last time you watered.
An underwatered plant has soil that’s bone dry and starts to pull away from the sides of the pot. You will notice the water going straight through the pot, without saturating the soil.
You might have to pour water on the soil 2 or 3 times before it saturates.
Water the plant thoroughly. Let it stand for about half an hour, giving the water time to soak into the soil, and water again. Wait another half hour and water one last time.
By doing this, the water gets the chance to get deep into the soil.
Your plant will get a good drink and should perk right back up
.
Or water from the bottom. More on that below.
What is Bottom Watering
A few situations where you could opt to water your plants from the bottom:
Use a watering can with a long spout for
leafy plants
to get water onto the soil instead the leaves. Or water these plants from the bottom.
When the soil is severely dried out, pulling away from the sides of the pot and needs thorough hydration.
Bottom watering can lead to stronger roots by making them reach for the water.Â
Follow these simple steps to correctly bottom water your plants:
Pour some water into a shallow bowl or cachepot a bit wider than the plant’s pot. Â
Place your plant inside to soak up the water through the drainage holes on the bottom of the pot. Â
Let it sit for about 20-30 minutes, or until the soil is saturated.Â
Further reading
– Easy steps to
bottom water your plants
! |
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# How Often to Water Indoor Plants
By: Author [Mod and Mint - Deborah Green](https://www.modandmint.com/about/)
9 Comments
[Houseplant Care](https://www.modandmint.com/category/houseplant-care/) » How to Water Plants
THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS. PLEASE SEE THE [DISCLOSURE POLICIES](https://www.modandmint.com/disclosure-policies/) FOR DETAILS.
**All plants need water**. You will have to water your indoor plants. *But* *how to tell if your plant needs water? And how much water?*
Many people water their plants on a schedule, like once a week on Sunday morning. But is your plant actually thirsty every Sunday morning?
Or what happens is that the plant is looking sad, so it is watered. The next day it still doesn’t look happy, so it is watered again. And maybe again in another two days.
This is too much. And will only make things worse.
[Calathea orbifolia](https://www.modandmint.com/calathea-orbifolia/) likes evenly moist soil, like a well-wrung-out sponge.
Need a plant care refresher? Check out the [Beginners Guide to Basic Houseplant Care.](https://www.modandmint.com/houseplant-care-guide/) It will tell you all you need to know to take care of all your indoor plants.
## How to Water Plants
This lady once told me, *I’ve been watering my plant every day. I don’t know why it died.*
Well, I do.
**The roots drowned in all that water.**
No shame. It happens.
It’s just a matter of **knowing basic plant watering guidelines**, and it will be much easier to keep your plants alive\!
## 6 Important Plant Watering Tips
With a few exceptions to the rule, *most houseplants will thrive if you water them by following these **simple guidelines***.
1. Always keep plants in pots with **drainage holes** on the bottom.
2. Water only after you’ve **checked the soil**.
3. You should water the plant **until water comes out** of the drainage holes.
4. Don’t let the pot sit in standing water.
5. **Water and fertilizer are not magic plant fixers.** Too much of it can actually do your plant more harm than good.
6. Water your plants very **sparingly in winter**.
Going on vacation this summer? Find out how you can [water your plants while you are away](https://www.modandmint.com/water-plants-vacation/).
[Hedera helix, English ivy](https://www.modandmint.com/indoor-english-ivy-care/).
## How to Tell if a Plant Needs Water
Some plants need the soil to be completely dry before you water it. Other plants like their soil to be consistently moist (but never soggy!).
There are a few ways to know when it’s time to water your plants.
- First, **look at the leaves.** Get to know your plant. Inspect it, and don’t be afraid to touch it. **Healthy plants have firm leaves.** They often droop or wrinkle and feel limp when the plant is thirsty.
- **Lift the plant up.** Pot and all. *Does it feel heavy?* If it does, there is still enough water in the soil. *Light as a feather?* The plant is dry and asking for water.
- **Check the soil.** Stick your finger into the potting soil, down to your first knuckle. If it feels moist, don’t water it yet. Wait one or two days and check again.
If you are unsure, you can buy a [moisture meter](https://amzn.to/3PyYzZo) to help you out.
**Related reading:** [How to use a moisture meter for your plants](https://www.modandmint.com/moisture-meter-for-plants/).
**If you have succulents or cacti in your plant collection, watering is a bit different.** They come from hot and dry places and don’t like to be watered too often. This is great if you tend to forget to water your plants. Read more to learn [how to water indoor succulents](https://www.modandmint.com/how-to-water-succulents/), or go to [how to water indoor cacti](https://www.modandmint.com/cactus-watering/).
## How Much to Water Plants
When it’s time to water, **give your plant a generous soak.** Always **water until the water comes out of the bottom of the pot**.
Think about it. We’re mimicking the plants’ original habitat. Watering the plant is to make it rain.
If there is any excess water on the drip saucer after watering, empty it. Don’t keep the pot in standing water.
In summer, when plants are actively growing, they need more water than when it’s winter, and they are in their resting period.
Also, plants in clay terra cotta pots need to be watered more frequently than pots in plastic containers. Moisture evaporates through the sides of the terra cotta pot, and stays trapped in a plastic container.
Plants in small pots need watering more often than plants in larger pots.
**Hot summer?** There are a few things you can do to [help your plants get through a heatwave](https://www.modandmint.com/indoor-plants-summer-care/).
Bottom watering a [Boston fern](https://www.modandmint.com/indoor-boston-fern-care/).
## Adding Fertilizer When Watering
Most indoor plants like some diluted fertilizer added to their water about **once a month in spring and summer**.
*Don’t fertilize in winter* when most plants go dormant and growth slows down.
Also never fertilize if your plant is recently repotted or is having issues. **Fertilizer is not a plant medicine**. It will only stress out an already stressed-out plant. Analyze, adjust, and when your plant recovers, continue your normal care routine.
Some plants are **sensitive to chlorine in tap water**, causing brown leaf tips. Use distilled or purified water instead. Even better is to use rainwater. If this is not practical, leave tap water out for a day or two in an open container to release the chemicals, before watering the plant.
[Sansevieria Snake plant.](https://www.modandmint.com/sansevieria-snake-plant-care/)
## What is Overwatering?
Overwatering is the **most common issue** in houseplant care.
To be clear, overwatering **does not mean** giving too much water at once. **Overwatering does mean watering too often, keeping the soil continually too moist.**
The soil needs to get the time to dry out slightly between waterings.
Frequent overwatering can lead to **root rot problems**. If roots rot, they lose the ability to absorb water and can’t supply any water to the plant.
Unfortunately, root rot is irreversible, but if you catch it early enough, you can still save your plant by propagating any parts that are still healthy.
## Signs of an Overwatered Plant
The most common signs of an overwatered plant, are **yellow, wilted leaves, in combination with soggy soil.**
The wilting leaves can resemble signs of too little water. When you see the leaves drooping, it might be tempting to give more water. But don’t. Check the soil first. If it’s still moist your plant might be in trouble.
**Soft leaves, mushy stems, and mold** on the soil can also be signs of overwatering.
Yellow leaves will eventually fall off. Adding more water will only speed up the deterioration.
If there is root rot, the **roots will be brown or black and mushy**. They might even have an unpleasant scent.
Hanging yellow leaves on an overwatered [Arrowhead plant](https://www.modandmint.com/arrowhead-plant-care-syngonium/).
## How to Save an Overwatered Plant?
Don’t lose hope if you have overwatered your potted plant. You might still be able to save your plant.
- If you catch it early enough, remove any yellow leaves and let the soil dry out before watering again. Adjust your watering routine going forward.
- If the situation is worse, you might have to remove rotted roots and [repot your plant](https://www.modandmint.com/when-and-how-to-repot-houseplants/) in fresh dry soil.
- If it’s too late to save your plant, see if any parts of the plant have not been affected yet. Cut those off and propagate as cuttings.
Drooping leaves on a severely underwatered Croton plant.
## What is Underwatering
You have **underwatered your plant** if the leaves are drooping, wilting, or shriveling, and it has been a while since the last time you watered.
An underwatered plant has soil that’s bone dry and starts to pull away from the sides of the pot. You will notice the water going straight through the pot, without saturating the soil.
You might have to pour water on the soil 2 or 3 times before it saturates.
Water the plant thoroughly. Let it stand for about half an hour, giving the water time to soak into the soil, and water again. Wait another half hour and water one last time.
By doing this, the water gets the chance to get deep into the soil. **Your plant will get a good drink and should perk right back up**.
Or water from the bottom. More on that below.
[Pilea glauca](https://www.modandmint.com/pilea-glauca-care/) being watered from the bottom.
## What is Bottom Watering
A few situations where you could opt to water your plants from the bottom:
- Use a watering can with a long spout for **leafy plants** to get water onto the soil instead the leaves. Or water these plants from the bottom.
- When the soil is severely dried out, pulling away from the sides of the pot and needs thorough hydration.
Bottom watering can lead to stronger roots by making them reach for the water.
Follow these simple steps to correctly bottom water your plants:
1. Pour some water into a shallow bowl or cachepot a bit wider than the plant’s pot.
2. Place your plant inside to soak up the water through the drainage holes on the bottom of the pot.
3. Let it sit for about 20-30 minutes, or until the soil is saturated.
**Further reading** – Easy steps to [bottom water your plants](https://www.modandmint.com/bottom-water-plants/)\!
Categories [Houseplant Care](https://www.modandmint.com/category/houseplant-care/)
## Post navigation
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[Click here to cancel reply.](https://www.modandmint.com/when-to-water-houseplants/#respond)
Jenn
Friday 1st of December 2023
I have a couple of plants are purchased from a plant nursery that were already really underwatered. The water goes straight through. I'll saturate it and let it sit for awhile and within a couple of days it's soil is hard as a rock again. Should I change the soil out?
Jade Li
Wednesday 14th of August 2024
@Jenn,
When I have the problem of water going straight through to the dish, I get some ice cubes out and put them on top of the soil. That way, as the ice melts, the plant gets watered very gradually and does not flow through to the dish.
Jane
Wednesday 13th of April 2022
This is a great article and answered ALL my questions about watering my plants. Thank you! Would love your thoughts on Moisture meters.
Suma
Saturday 5th of October 2019
If i water the big pot until water come out from the drainage , i have problem to empty the plate cos its so heavy, do you have a tip??
Dorothea
Tuesday 9th of May 2023
@Use a turkey baster to remove water from saucer of large plants. You still might have to tilt plant to get all of excess water. Works like a charmYorkiemom,
Dorothea
Tuesday 9th of May 2023
@Yorkiemom,
Yorkiemom
Sunday 21st of February 2021
@Suma, use towels to sop it up. Tilt it so any remaining water spills out onto your towel.
doris
Thursday 8th of August 2019
I read your article about how to water indoor plants. I really find it useful because I have a lot of indoor plants and our climatecis very hot.tks. Doris.
Mod and Mint
Thursday 8th of August 2019
Great to hear this was of help to you, thanks for your comment\!
### Welcome\!
Hello, my name is Deborah Green, a plant lover with over 30 years of house plant experience and hands-on learning from botanists.
Join me as I share all the leafy secrets to grow your indoor plants and turn your home into a lush green paradise\!
###
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Copyright © 2026 Mod and Mint Plant Care |
| Readable Markdown | **All plants need water**. You will have to water your indoor plants. *But* *how to tell if your plant needs water? And how much water?*
Many people water their plants on a schedule, like once a week on Sunday morning. But is your plant actually thirsty every Sunday morning?
Or what happens is that the plant is looking sad, so it is watered. The next day it still doesn’t look happy, so it is watered again. And maybe again in another two days.
This is too much. And will only make things worse.
Need a plant care refresher? Check out the [Beginners Guide to Basic Houseplant Care.](https://www.modandmint.com/houseplant-care-guide/) It will tell you all you need to know to take care of all your indoor plants.
This lady once told me, *I’ve been watering my plant every day. I don’t know why it died.*
Well, I do.
**The roots drowned in all that water.**
No shame. It happens.
It’s just a matter of **knowing basic plant watering guidelines**, and it will be much easier to keep your plants alive\!
## 6 Important Plant Watering Tips
With a few exceptions to the rule, *most houseplants will thrive if you water them by following these **simple guidelines***.
1. Always keep plants in pots with **drainage holes** on the bottom.
2. Water only after you’ve **checked the soil**.
3. You should water the plant **until water comes out** of the drainage holes.
4. Don’t let the pot sit in standing water.
5. **Water and fertilizer are not magic plant fixers.** Too much of it can actually do your plant more harm than good.
6. Water your plants very **sparingly in winter**.
Going on vacation this summer? Find out how you can [water your plants while you are away](https://www.modandmint.com/water-plants-vacation/).
## How to Tell if a Plant Needs Water
Some plants need the soil to be completely dry before you water it. Other plants like their soil to be consistently moist (but never soggy!).
There are a few ways to know when it’s time to water your plants.
- First, **look at the leaves.** Get to know your plant. Inspect it, and don’t be afraid to touch it. **Healthy plants have firm leaves.** They often droop or wrinkle and feel limp when the plant is thirsty.
- **Lift the plant up.** Pot and all. *Does it feel heavy?* If it does, there is still enough water in the soil. *Light as a feather?* The plant is dry and asking for water.
- **Check the soil.** Stick your finger into the potting soil, down to your first knuckle. If it feels moist, don’t water it yet. Wait one or two days and check again.
If you are unsure, you can buy a [moisture meter](https://amzn.to/3PyYzZo) to help you out.
**Related reading:** [How to use a moisture meter for your plants](https://www.modandmint.com/moisture-meter-for-plants/).
**If you have succulents or cacti in your plant collection, watering is a bit different.** They come from hot and dry places and don’t like to be watered too often. This is great if you tend to forget to water your plants. Read more to learn [how to water indoor succulents](https://www.modandmint.com/how-to-water-succulents/), or go to [how to water indoor cacti](https://www.modandmint.com/cactus-watering/).
## How Much to Water Plants
When it’s time to water, **give your plant a generous soak.** Always **water until the water comes out of the bottom of the pot**.
Think about it. We’re mimicking the plants’ original habitat. Watering the plant is to make it rain.
If there is any excess water on the drip saucer after watering, empty it. Don’t keep the pot in standing water.
In summer, when plants are actively growing, they need more water than when it’s winter, and they are in their resting period.
Also, plants in clay terra cotta pots need to be watered more frequently than pots in plastic containers. Moisture evaporates through the sides of the terra cotta pot, and stays trapped in a plastic container.
Plants in small pots need watering more often than plants in larger pots.
**Hot summer?** There are a few things you can do to [help your plants get through a heatwave](https://www.modandmint.com/indoor-plants-summer-care/).
## Adding Fertilizer When Watering
Most indoor plants like some diluted fertilizer added to their water about **once a month in spring and summer**.
*Don’t fertilize in winter* when most plants go dormant and growth slows down.
Also never fertilize if your plant is recently repotted or is having issues. **Fertilizer is not a plant medicine**. It will only stress out an already stressed-out plant. Analyze, adjust, and when your plant recovers, continue your normal care routine.
Some plants are **sensitive to chlorine in tap water**, causing brown leaf tips. Use distilled or purified water instead. Even better is to use rainwater. If this is not practical, leave tap water out for a day or two in an open container to release the chemicals, before watering the plant.
## What is Overwatering?
Overwatering is the **most common issue** in houseplant care.
To be clear, overwatering **does not mean** giving too much water at once. **Overwatering does mean watering too often, keeping the soil continually too moist.**
The soil needs to get the time to dry out slightly between waterings.
Frequent overwatering can lead to **root rot problems**. If roots rot, they lose the ability to absorb water and can’t supply any water to the plant.
Unfortunately, root rot is irreversible, but if you catch it early enough, you can still save your plant by propagating any parts that are still healthy.
## Signs of an Overwatered Plant
The most common signs of an overwatered plant, are **yellow, wilted leaves, in combination with soggy soil.**
The wilting leaves can resemble signs of too little water. When you see the leaves drooping, it might be tempting to give more water. But don’t. Check the soil first. If it’s still moist your plant might be in trouble.
**Soft leaves, mushy stems, and mold** on the soil can also be signs of overwatering.
Yellow leaves will eventually fall off. Adding more water will only speed up the deterioration.
If there is root rot, the **roots will be brown or black and mushy**. They might even have an unpleasant scent.
## How to Save an Overwatered Plant?
Don’t lose hope if you have overwatered your potted plant. You might still be able to save your plant.
- If you catch it early enough, remove any yellow leaves and let the soil dry out before watering again. Adjust your watering routine going forward.
- If the situation is worse, you might have to remove rotted roots and [repot your plant](https://www.modandmint.com/when-and-how-to-repot-houseplants/) in fresh dry soil.
- If it’s too late to save your plant, see if any parts of the plant have not been affected yet. Cut those off and propagate as cuttings.
Drooping leaves on a severely underwatered Croton plant.
## What is Underwatering
You have **underwatered your plant** if the leaves are drooping, wilting, or shriveling, and it has been a while since the last time you watered.
An underwatered plant has soil that’s bone dry and starts to pull away from the sides of the pot. You will notice the water going straight through the pot, without saturating the soil.
You might have to pour water on the soil 2 or 3 times before it saturates.
Water the plant thoroughly. Let it stand for about half an hour, giving the water time to soak into the soil, and water again. Wait another half hour and water one last time.
By doing this, the water gets the chance to get deep into the soil. **Your plant will get a good drink and should perk right back up**.
Or water from the bottom. More on that below.
## What is Bottom Watering
A few situations where you could opt to water your plants from the bottom:
- Use a watering can with a long spout for **leafy plants** to get water onto the soil instead the leaves. Or water these plants from the bottom.
- When the soil is severely dried out, pulling away from the sides of the pot and needs thorough hydration.
Bottom watering can lead to stronger roots by making them reach for the water.
Follow these simple steps to correctly bottom water your plants:
1. Pour some water into a shallow bowl or cachepot a bit wider than the plant’s pot.
2. Place your plant inside to soak up the water through the drainage holes on the bottom of the pot.
3. Let it sit for about 20-30 minutes, or until the soil is saturated.
**Further reading** – Easy steps to [bottom water your plants](https://www.modandmint.com/bottom-water-plants/)\!
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