Houseplants... Watering Wisdom & Fertilizing Facts

Watering wisdom: 2 important rules.

1. 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.
2. 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.