# water

Every plant needs water, but there is a great freedom and variety of techniques on how to water plants. Finding something that fits both your space and your plants requires some patience and observation, but will provide a soothing and interactive ritual between you and the plants in your life.

Beyond tried and true soil in pot planting, there are a wide variety of watering techniques. Terracotta watering spikes, hydroculture, and drip systems are just some different ways of keeping plants watered.

# how to water

Unless otherwise noted, plants usually like being watered from above.

Try to water with warm or room temperature water. Water that is too cold can shock the plant.

Some plants are sensitive to the health related chemicals in municipal water systems, letting water rest before giving it to plants will allow time for the chemicals to dissipate.

Quality watering ensures that all of the medium is wetted, while not allowing water to stand in the pot or catch saucer. When logged with water, medium turns from supplying the plant with moisture and air, to choking the plant from receiving either.

# watering top of soil

This is usually what we thing of when we talk about watering. Add water to top of soil. Filling pot to brim and allow water to drain into saucer. After 15 minutes empty remaining water in the saucer. Pot should not stand in water.

# flooding / double watering

Give plants a good shower with water at room temperature in the sink or shower. Drench container in water and allow to drain, repeat until soil is soaked through. Allow pots to drain fully before placing them back in their places. In a clay pot this can usually be seen by the dark and light areas. Flooding helps flush out salts, aerates the soil, and in cases of completely dry soil, revive moisture level.

# bottom soak

Prep a shallow tray and fill with water. Put open bottom pots in and let Soak for 15 minutes then allow to drain free. This works especially well for plants that are in bark which is a medium that usually takes longer to soak up water

# in water growth

some plants like pothos and inch plants can grow in water without soil. Change the water once or week or use an air pump to ensure the water stays oxygenated and the plant should grow just as vigorously.

# variations in water absorption

# time of year

spring and summer are usually warmer and where plants are more active in growth. This will cause the plant to drink up more water and water is usually needed more frequently.

indoor conditions may vary and plants may enter their growth in the fall and winter due to low sun angles. An intuitive understanding and frequent tests help us understand our plants water needs.

# temperature and humidity

Air conditioning and heating will also play a part in water loss. Dry heat from heaters dry out soil in the winter. Plants that are in the path of airflow will usually dry faster.

# planting medium

We can often get a sense of how heavy the soil is by feel. Heavier soils hold on to water longer than lighter mixes. This is helpful with succulents, as they will feel very light when the soil has dried out and it is ready for water.

# container

Terracotta pots are porous and will release water faster than plastic pots. conditions around the pot will also influence the rate at which it dries. Select pots for both the plant and the location.

Breathable pots will dry the soil from all sides where airflow occurs, non breathable pots will dry soil from the top down.

# testing before watering

There are many ways to tell how much water is left in the soil for the plant. The overall goal is always to make sure the plant is enjoying the appropriate wet/dry cycle. Everything will vary based on the factors above, but with care and practice we will become familiar with the cycles between our space and our plants. Use w

# finger test

put finger in soil up to the first knuckle. If dry, then water is usually needed. Test depth should be proportional to plant size. For bigger plants a wooden stick can be used as a substitute.

# moisture meter

a handheld moisture meter can be stuck in soil to gauge if the plant needs water. It usually has two prongs and measures the moisture by detecting the strength of current.

# pick-up test

dryer soil is lighter than wet soil. For smaller plants a lightweight container can indicate a thirsty plant.

# watering issues

# rescuing a waterlogged plant

pull out the plant with root ball if possible and pay on dry newspaper or absorbent material overnight. Trim slimy or dark roots before repotting the plant in a clean container with fresh soil.