Water Your Plants Wisely HouseplantExperience.com

Water Your HousePlants Wisely

Part 1.

All plants are different


Many people find it an annoying job, watering the houseplants. Especially if you have a lot of them at home, because before you know you’ll be busy for fifteen minutes. But really make time for it, because plants cannot live without water.

 All plants are different

Not all plants are the same. There are of course many types of plants that all have slightly different needs and this is the same for outdoor plants. One plant needs just a little more plant food and water than the other. This is because the houseplants come from different countries. It can rain a lot or a little in these countries and the plants can live on a very nutritious or nutrient-poor soil. So always read the plant’s instructions mentioned at our web-shop or read and keep the stake that comes with a plant which is purchased elsewhere and that contains the advice for that specific plant.

 How much water?

Of course, it is difficult to issue just one quantity for all types of plants. Always keep an average of half a cup per plant. Always give a little bit at first, this water is then absorbed into the soil and more water afterwards. By watering in 2 phases, the water is better absorbed and it will not run out at once at the bottom.

 And also...

Also make sure the plant is in a pot with a hole underneath. If you give too much water, the excess water can drain. A pot without a hole is of course also possible, but first put a layer of Hydro granules in the pot before you fill it with universal potting soil. This then becomes a reservoir and with that the roots of the plant will not be sitting in water which will eventually cause root-rot.



Part 2.

Less is more...


You might not expect it, but too much water is cause of death #1 among plants. So it's much better to water small bits more often instead of a whole splash. Roots may need enough water, but too wet soil will rot the roots and your 'green amigo' can't take that.

Before you get started with your watering can, it's a good idea to make sure the soil isn't still wet. You can do this by putting your fingers 2 cm deep into the soil. Does soil stick to your fingers? Then you know your houseplant is still provided for a while. Does the soil feel dry? Then pour some more! Simple as that.

It may sound strange, but many houseplants die because of too-much or too-little water. A good way to prevent this is to water a little at a time. Making sure that the soil isn't still wet helps ensure you don't over-water your plant!

Generally, it's best to water your plants in the morning. That way, both your plants and the water are cool, which is what they prefer. Don't forget that plants can get a shock from cold water, causing discoloration or leaf damage — so use lukewarm water whenever possible.



Part 3. 

How frequent and at what temperature 

 

When it comes to watering plants, there are a few things you should know. First of all, there are many materials that plants can grow in. Most common is soil. For those plants that grow on soil, you'll want to water them once a week depending on what type of soil you use and how big the plant is.

There are other options out there that may or may not require watering as frequently. Tea and coffee grounds are two examples of growing mediums you could use for your plants instead of soil but we do not recommend it.

Watering plants is a satisfying task, but sometimes it can be confusing. A good rule of thumb is to keep the water temperature about the same as the room temperature. If it's fairly warm in the house, make sure the water is also slightly warmer. This will take the chill off your plants and give them a drink that is more satisfying for their thirsty roots.

However, if water is too hot then it can damage roots or stem of a plant. Therefore, when watering plants always make sure that the temperature of the water is between 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit depending on where you live and what time of year it is.

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