Water is essential for all living things, but too often, plant parents either over do it or forget to water at all. Either way, plants will quickly show signs of distress. That’s why it’s so important to know how much water each of your plants requires. If, for example, you love succulents and cactus, they often only need a light drink once or twice a month, while more thirsty species such as peace lily and ferns may need a drink at least once a week.
When to Water
For most house plants, it is recommended to water the plant once every 8-10 days and adjust for your environment as needed. Some plants, such as succulents, cacti, and the ZZ plant, will only need to be watered once every couple of weeks or so.
How Much to Water
Each plant will have its own individual watering needs but a general starting point to watering is:
- 3-4 inch diameter containers receive about half a cup of water
- 5-7 inch diameter containers receive about 1 cup of water
- 8-10 inch diameter containers receive about 2-3 cups of water
Adjust the amount of water for your plant as needed for your environment.
Helpful Tips:
- The soil takes longer to dry in cooler temperatures and dries out quicker in warmer temperatures.
- Always check to see if the soil is dry about 1-2 inches deep with your finger before watering.
- Do not let plants sit in any standing water for an extended amount of time.