Watering Indoor Plants

Indoor Watering Tips:

• Apply enough water to the pot so it runs out through the drain holes. If the pot is resting on a saucer, be sure to dispose of the water that collects in the saucer.
  
• Use water at room temperature.
  
• Most importantly, use your finger to check the moisture of the soil often. Avoid watering too often because too much moisture can be harmful to plants.
  
• If the plant is wilting from the stem out towards the leaves, it may be a sign that you are over watering the plant.
  
• Other signs of over watering include, lower leaves dropping, discoloration, the plant might stop growing, or wilting foliage.
  
• However, if the plant wilts along the outer tips of the leaves first, you may not be providing the plant with enough water.
  
• Additional signs of under watering include, dry soil, wilting foliage, and brown edges along the leaves.
  
• If the soil seems to drain too quickly, place the pot in a sink filled partially with water and soap. If the problem persists, you should repot the plant.
  
• To make a self-watering device, connect a terracotta reservoir with a cork top into the opening of a small plastic bottle. Cut off the base of the bottle, and place the terracotta end into the soil of a potted plant about 5" to 7" deep. Fill the plastic bottle with water and the porous nature of the terracotta will release water as needed.