Beginner’s Guide to Watering Indoor Plants

While some people seem to have a knack for growing healthy houseplants, for the rest of us keeping a cactus alive can feel like a bit of a stretch.

Here we share top tips on one of the most important aspects of indoor gardening – how to water your houseplants. These days you can buy indoor plant watering systems that take the guesswork out of it, but if you still enjoy picking up a watering can and tending to your greenery, then read on.

When to water plants

Most house plants prefer moist compost in spring and summer when they are in growth, but take care not to water too much; soggy, waterlogged compost causes disease and can be fatal, while a little drought is easily remedied.

To prevent wet compost, keep your plants in pots with drainage holes at the bottom so that any excess water can drain out, and tip away any surplus that is sitting in the plant’s decorative pot (“sleeve”) or saucer about an hour after watering.

How to water

Watering from above: Pour water from above if your plant is happy for its foliage to be doused; most tropical plants and ferns are in this category. Make sure that the compost is also soaked or you risk watering the leaves without any moisture reaching the roots.

Watering from below: Set your plant in a pot with drainage holes in a tray of water about 2cm (3⁄4in) deep. Leave for 20 minutes, then remove and drain. Use this method for plants that do not like wet leaves or stems, such as African violets, or if the foliage is covering the compost. 

Misting leaves and aerial roots: Some plants absorb moisture through their leaves and aerial roots. Examples include orchids, Swiss cheese plants, and areca palms. Mist the leaves and roots regularly, but also water the compost to keep them healthy.  

Watering bromeliads: The leaves and bracts (petal-like modified leaves) of most bromeliads – such as the silver vase plant and Amazonia Zebra Plant – form a cup-like reservoir in the center of the plant. Fill this up with rainwater or distilled water, replenishing it every few weeks. Also, water the compost so that it is moist.

Soaking air plants: Air plants are best soaked in a tray of rainwater or distilled water for an hour once a week.  After soaking, leave to drain, and make sure they dry fully within 4 hours to prevent them rotting. Alternatively, mist them 2–3 times a week.

Stop the rot

Drought-loving cacti and succulents like their leaves and stems to remain dry at all times, so add a layer of grit (known as a “mulch”) on top of the compost if repotting. Mulch helps water to quickly drain away, preventing them from rotting.

The seven golden rules of watering

1. Keep plants in pots with drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.

2. Water most plants every 2–4 days (or as required) in spring and summer to keep the compost, moist (not waterlogged).

3. Water desert cacti and succulents less frequently (only when the top of the compost feels dry).

4. Reduce frequency of watering in winter when plant growth is slower and temperatures are lower.

5. Tip out excess water from pot sleeves and saucers to prevent overly soggy compost.

6. Avoid getting water on the leaves and stems of plants with soft, furry foliage, or succulents and cacti.

7. Do check to see if your plant prefers rainwater or distilled water rather than straight from the tap.