Watering

When it comes to houseplants, the correct amount of water can mean the difference between flourishing and fading fast. We’ve divided our plants into 3 categories based on each varieties needs:

Daily Watering (High)
Soil should be constantly moist, but not soggy. Leaves of these plants are generally thinner and dry out easily; therefore they require water more often.

Every 2-7 Days (Medium)
Soil for plants in this category should be allowed to dry slightly in between watering. Once soil begins to feel dry to the touch, water thoroughly letting excess drain.

Every 8+ Days (Light)
These plants are drought tolerant and do not require much water. Their leaves are typically thicker and hold moisture, thus the soil can dry out more in between watering. Do not allow soil to become so dry that it pulls away from the sides of the pot however; it should still hold together without crumbling.

Specific watering needs depend on many factors including the humidity, temperature, and placement of the plant in your home. If plants show signs of over or under- watering adjust your care habits as needed.

Too Little Water?
Leaves droop, newer leaves turn brown or yellow and fall. Soil is very dry and crumbles to the touch.

Too Much Water?
Leaves drop off without changing color. Leaves and stems are mushy, roots turn black. Soil is soggy.

Tips on Watering Foliage House Plants

Use tepid water
Plants take up tepid water more readily than cold water, and cold water can shock many plants and cause them to wilt.

Let chlorinated water age
If your water is heavily chlorinated, let it stand in a pan overnight before using it on your plants so the chlorine can evaporate. Do not use water from a water softener unless it is equipped with a deionizing unit to remove the sodium used in the softening process; neither chlorine nor sodium is beneficial to plants. Rain water is a good source.

Go with the flow
When you water a plant in a standard pot with drainage holes, add water until some comes out of the holes.

Beware of water coming out too quickly. If the ball of soil around the roots has been allowed to become overly dry, the soil may have shrunk and pulled away from the pot’s walls, and the water you have applied has just run down the gap on the inside of the pot, completely bypassing the roots. In such a case take the plant, pot and all, and immerse it in the sink or in a pail of water one inch deep and let absorb. Thirty minutes later set the plant aside so the excess water can drain.

Choosing the Right Container
Make sure to choose a container with ample drainage. Most pots have holes in the bottom to allow excess water to escape. Many of our Exotic Angel upgrades feature grower pots dropped into upgraded containers without holes. This allows you to remove, water, drain, and replace the plant to the container without the worry of water draining onto furniture.