Wondering how to properly water your plants during intense heat? How do you know when it’s time to water them? Which types of plants require more moisture, and which can be watered less frequently?
There’s no single answer to how to water plants during the summer. The amount of water needed depends on several factors – the type of plant, pot size, outside temperature, the plant’s location, and its sun exposure.
Experts emphasize that overwatering is a more common issue than underwatering. Many plants do not tolerate excessive moisture, and when owners see a drooping plant, their first reaction is often to add more water.
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Watering is usually unnecessary even if the surface soil in the pot appears dry. Due to dry external air, the top layer of soil dries out, but there may still be enough moisture deeper down. You can easily check by digging a few centimeters into the soil with your finger. If it’s moist, watering is not needed.
Tips for Effective Watering
- Pot Plants: Water Deeply, Less Frequently: It’s recommended to water less often but more thoroughly. This ensures water penetrates deep into the soil, reaching the roots. Frequent, light watering creates the illusion that the plant is watered, but only the top layer of soil is actually wet. Water your plant generously but slowly. If you fill the pot with water too quickly, it might find a single path to the bottom, leaving most of the soil dry.
Thus, even if the tray is full of water, the plant’s roots might not get enough moisture. Pour a large amount of water slowly until it seeps through the pot. After a few hours, check if the soil has absorbed the water. If not, pour out the excess to allow air to reach the roots. - Garden Plants: For garden plants, the procedure is simpler. Ensure the soil around the plant is loose and not crusted so it can absorb water effectively.
Plant-Specific Watering Needs
- High-Moisture Plants: Some plants, known as “thirsty plants,” cannot tolerate a lack of water. Ensure their soil doesn’t dry out between waterings. Examples include: Adiantum, Calathea, Calceolaria, Cyclamen, Cyperus, Dionaea, Ficus Pumila, Fittonia, Nephrolepis, Nertera, Selaginella, Spathiphyllum, Streptocarpus.
- Drought-Tolerant Plants: Plants that can withstand missed waterings include: Cacti, Succulents, Yucca, Nolina, Zamioculcas, Dracaena, Aspidistra, Cycas Palm, Hoya, Jatropha, Pachypodium, Lavender.
Best Time to Water
- Timing Matters: Avoid watering plants in direct sunlight unless absolutely necessary when they appear severely wilted. In such cases, do not drench them with cold water; instead, use a small amount of room-temperature water to keep them alive until evening when you can water them properly. Watering should be done in the evening or early morning.
Avoid using cold water, even in winter. Use water that has been left to reach room temperature. During summer, if the plants are on a terrace, water them with water that has been left out on the terrace as well. - Use Rainwater if Possible: Experts suggest watering plants with rainwater, which lacks the limestone and chlorine found in tap water. While this might not be practical for everyone, letting tap water sit to allow chlorine to dissipate can suffice. If you notice yellowing leaves, it’s often a result of too much water containing chlorine, leading to chlorosis.
By following these tips, you can ensure your plants stay healthy and vibrant through the hot summer months.
Photo: Freepik