Watering Wisdom & Fertilizing Facts
for Houseplants

2 Important Watering Rules...

• Water thoroughly. Dribbling water into plants once or twice a week can do them more harm than good. To utilize water best, the plant’s entire root ball needs saturating. To do this, move your plant to a sink or tub, and soak the soil thoroughly, using a watering can. Let drain and repeat twice more. Drain well, about an hour. Another effective soaking method is to stand the potted plant in a bowl, then fill the bowl with water until it reaches the top of the soil level. Allow to sit until the soil is saturated, then drain thoroughly.
• Water infrequently. If you water as described in #1, your plants should only need watering about every other week, and less often than that in winter. Rather than going by a fixed schedule though, here’s how to check your plants for dryness weekly. A plant needs water when it...
• Looks droopy.
• Stops growing (other than during dormant season).
• Drops its lower leaves.
• Feels dry 1/2" below the soil surface.

Growing Plants Need Food...

Fertilizers should be applied regularly during the plant’s growing season, following a thorough watering. Use liquid or powder forms specifically formulated for houseplants. Be careful not to over-fertilize, as the root growth of a potted plant will be stunted. This may result in wilting, stunted growth, or yellowed leaves. To correct, flush the plant thoroughly with water, then reduce the frequency of feedings.