Brown spots on the houseplant? You probably watered too little. Or on the contrary, waterlogging has already formed. Giving water is not that easy. Again and again, unconscious errors creep in that damage the houseplant. Stop it! We explain how to water your plants properly.
It's more dangerous to overwater houseplants than underwater
Factors that determine water demand
In order to estimate the correct amount of watering of a plant, you must not only consider the species, but also make the amount dependent on the site factors. The more light and heat a plant is exposed to, the higher its water requirements because the substrate dries out faster.
These factors increase the need for water
- Beginning of the growth phase or beginning of the flowering period
- fully formed roots
- The volume of the root ball is very large in relation to the amount of substrate
- summer
- little humidity
- a moisture-absorbing pot (e.g. clay)
- Plant has large leaves but only thin stems
These factors reduce the need for water
- Beginning of the rest phase
- light roots
- cool temperatures
- large pot for a small plant
- plastic pots
- high humidity
- succulents
Determine the right time
Since the above conditions are subject to constant fluctuations, it makes little sense to set a blanket schedule and water houseplants by time. The thumb test is much better suited to checking when the next watering is required. Press a few centimeters into the substrate with your thumb. If the soil is still moist, the plant has enough water available. Water only when the top layer of substrate is dry.
tips
A water level gauge that you install in the bucket is also a useful aid. Especially in hydroponics, where the thumb test is not possible, we recommend the purchase.