Gardening With Allen: How to water house plants

A plant that has increased in size and is still in its original pot may dry out more quickly because of the balance between leaves and roots. A plant that has a relatively large pot in relation to its leaves will dry out more slowly.

Plant leaf wilt is a sure sign that a plant needs water. Drooping leaves indicate that you have waited a little too long before watering. Wilting plants are often a sign that the plant should be moved up to the next size pot. If plants are allowed to wilt too long or too often, some of the smaller roots die resulting in poorer top growth.

Plants with fleshy leaves retain more moisture and prefer drier soil. Orchids need special soil with mostly large pores. They are much more likely to be overwatered than underwatered. Plants like African violets with fuzzy leaves can be damaged by spilling water on the leaves. They are best subirrigated by placing water in a saucer under the pots.

Plants getting direct sunlight dry out more quickly than those with lower light levels. Warmer temperatures also cause plants to dry out more quickly.

It is best to treat plants individually and not water them all at the same time. You can learn when it is time to water each type of plant by observing both the plant and the soil.

Test the soil with your finger every time you water. If the top of the soil is dry, it is time to water most plants. You will soon learn the change in the soil color when it dries and you will no longer have to check with your finger every time. Soil becomes lighter in color as it dries.

When you do water, apply enough so that a little runs out the bottom drain holes. This insures that the entire soil has been wetted.