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Indoor Houseplants Watering - Tips And Resources
By Frank | April 19, 2008
Houseplants are blessed as they are built to get the majority of what they need mainly from sunlight and what is found in their pots of soil. The only problem they might face is a lack of water if the owner forgets to water it, as it is difficult for them to get other sources of water.
Many garden professionals believe that over fifty percent of the houseplants in the world receive improper watering. Mistakes such as over watering can lead to disease and root rot, while under watering can have severe effects as well. But with some know-how and guidelines, you can learn how to and when to water your plants easily.
Garden enthusiasts whether novice or seasoned professional can all agree that purchasing a tool called a Hygrometer can truly be worth its weight in gold. This handy tool allows the plant owner to receive a more accurate water level reading of the plants soil. This will allow the plant owner to adjust the watering routine to ensure maximum benefits to the plant. These useful tools can vary in price as some can be as cheap as a few dollars while others come with a steep price tag; but even a cheap gadget will still provide the necessary information a plant owner needs.
The Hygrometer comes in several varieties, including one that has a digital display. This makes for a much easier reading of the water level in the soil. In addition, there are also some that come with a handy thermometer. This little addition is perfect for testing soil temperature which is another very important factor in the healthy growth of your plants.
If you are a true believer in the old tried and true methods of water level testing, here are a few ways to accomplish it.
One method that has been used for many years is the finger test. By simply placing your finger on the soils surface and applying a slight amount of pressure, you can determine if the soil is wet or dry. This method also allows you to feel the texture of the soil. Soil with moisture feels spongy while hard soil indicates a lack of moisture.
Another simple and inexpensive tool for water level testing is a tongue depressor or wooden chopstick. By simply inserting the wood into the soil, then withdrawing it, you should be able to see signs of moisture. If moisture is present below the surface, the wood will absorb it, displaying a darker shade. While it is true that surface moisture will be absorbed into the wooden tester, if done quickly, the surface water absorption will only count as a very small amount of the moisture collected.
The saucer trick is a good gauge of how much water a plant needs. Simply fill a sauce about one third of the way full of water and place it under the plant. Continue doing this until there is water left in the saucer. This process allows the water to be absorbed through capillary action from the drainage holes. Make sure to keep track of how much water was actually absorbed. This will give you a pretty accurate measurement of how much water your specific plant/soil/pot requires.
Lastly, there is one more method which does not disturb the plant in any way. Everything has a certain amount of weight to it, thus wet soil will weigh more than dry soil. After applying a water regiment discussed above, weigh your plant. After performing this routine several times, you are certain to get a feel for the accurate amount of water your plant requires. At that point, you should no longer need to perform the weighing test any longer.
It is important to remember that even after finding the right watering amount for your plant, there are many factors that will allow that measurement to change. Factors such as soil composition, humidity, seasonal changes and temperature changes are things that can change a plants water requirement. Following a few guidelines combined with some accurate testing methods can help ensure a safe and healthy plant all year long.
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Topics: Gardening |
