Watering plants is far from being as simple as picking up a watering can and following a weekly routine. Although water is essential for the growth and maintenance of indoor species, excess or lack of it can cause similar signs, making it difficult to understand exactly what the plant needs. There are, however, some indicators that help to avoid mistakes and keep plants healthy for longer.
According to , experts in botany and horticulture point out five fundamental aspects to evaluate before watering a plant again. Regular observation and adaptation to environmental conditions are decisive factors in avoiding problems related to hydration.
The importance of soil for balanced irrigation
One of the first points to consider is the composition of the earth. An inadequate mixture can make it difficult to retain moisture or, on the contrary, accumulate excess water near the roots.
According to the experts cited by the publication, the substrate must be able to maintain some humidity without impeding the circulation of water and air. When this balance does not exist, the development of the root system can be compromised, even if the plant is watered frequently.
The quality of the land directly influences the plant’s ability to absorb the nutrients and water it needs. Therefore, a plant that appears to be well cared for may reveal signs of water imbalance if the substrate is not the most suitable.
A weekly routine is not always the best solution
Creating a watering calendar can be helpful so you don’t forget your plants, but following a strict schedule year-round doesn’t always produce the best results.
Water needs vary depending on the season, temperature, amount of available light and ambient humidity levels. During the warmer months, the substrate tends to dry out more quickly. In cold seasons, water absorption tends to decrease.
For this reason, a routine that works in the summer may prove to be excessive during the winter, increasing the risk of waterlogging of the roots.
Leaves say more than they seem
Observing the leaves remains one of the simplest ways to assess the general condition of a plant.
When there is a lack of water, it is common for leaves to appear that are more droopy, soft or curved inwards. Before completely drying out, many plants have a limp appearance that acts as a warning sign.
Furthermore, some species lose part of the intensity of their colors when they start to need water. The change may be subtle, but it is often one of the first signs that the plant is beginning to suffer from a lack of hydration.
The soil helps clarify doubts
Although the leaves provide important clues, they do not always allow you to understand whether the problem is the result of a lack of or excess water.
Wilted leaves can appear in both situations. Therefore, directly checking soil moisture remains one of the most reliable methods. Inserting a finger about an inch and a half into the surface layer of the substrate allows you to see if there is still enough moisture or if it is time to water.
With practice, it becomes easier to identify the condition of the land and adjust the amount of water needed for each plant.
A simple gesture that reveals a lot
There is also a little-known trick that can help especially those who grow plants in small pots.
Lifting the pot allows you to see whether the substrate contains water or not. When it is damp, the weight increases considerably. As it dries, the set becomes lighter.
According to the same source, this comparison between the weight of the pot just watered and the weight recorded a few days later can become a useful reference for determining the right time to supply water again, reducing the risk of frequent errors in the maintenance of indoor plants.
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