When it comes to plants, it’s all about the water

By Eric Barrett

OSU Extension educator

I used to know a horticulturalist who didn’t like answering homeowner questions. Every time he received a question, he simply replied with another question, “Do you water your plants?” If the homeowner said yes, he would tell them to stop watering so much. If the homeowner said they limited watering, he said to simply increase watering. In both instances, the answers were quick and he would promptly say, “Thank you for calling. Goodbye.”

While he was avoiding talking to the public, his responses finally got me thinking about watering. He taught me something. The more I deal with home garden questions, the more I realize water is the No. 1 problem and the No. 1 solution in gardening.

Apply this concept to houseplants. If one waters a plant too much, it provides adequate humidity for an inside environment; but too much soil moisture provides the perfect place for root fungi to flourish. Many houseplants are susceptible to root rots and die in just a few months. The moisture is also a great breeding ground for insects, some of which can damage plants.

If one does not water often enough, the plant may look weak or droopy, and may be mistaken for a disease. While too little water helps to avoid insects and root diseases, it does not provide enough for the plant to survive. The amount has to be “just right.” Here are some tips:

1. Never water on a schedule. Water gets utilized or evaporates at different frequencies, depending on changes in temperature and humidity — and the type of plant you are watering.

2. Do not allow plants to wilt. Try to grow them as dry as you can, but not to the point of wilting.

3. Use your finger to check soil moisture. Stick your finger down into the soil and if it’s dry to the touch, water, but do not drench. Be sure the entire soil profile gets moisture so all of the roots get some. If the soil is extremely dry, water a little two to three times, an hour or so apart each time. This will allow the soil to regain an appropriate moisture level. Your other option is to submerge the pot for a few minutes, if you can lift it. Empty excess water in the saucer about one hour after watering.

To better understand the moisture level, try checking the soil every day for a week. You will quickly learn to gauge moisture levels and thus provide just enough. To learn more, go to: http://go.osu.edu/allaboutwater.