Watering your tropical houseplant is the most important thing you can do to make sure that the plant does not die. But for some, watering is tricky. Different people encounter different problems with watering their plants, largely because each type of tropical houseplant requires a different watering treatment. Now, watering does not vary a great deal. However, knowing the specific watering needs of your plant could mean the difference between a tropical houseplant that survives and a tropical houseplant that thrives.
Knowing how to measure the water levels and needs of tropical houseplants is very important if you are to know whether or not your specific houseplant is getting the water and nutrients that it needs.
Some general suggestions for watering houseplants:
1.Know how moist the soil should be for each species of tropical houseplant that you own.
2.Check the soil moisture level and apply water based on the plant’s specific moisture requirements.
3.The soil moisture level can be checked by pressing your finger down into the soil about an inch deep. If the soil is moist an inch into the pot you probably do not need to water. If the soil is dry an inch into the pot, you should probably water the plant.
4.Use room-temperature water to create a more stable environment for your tropical houseplants.
5.Avoid watering directly over the crown of the plant. (The crown is the portion of the plant where the roots and stem(s) divide.)
Two watering techniques:
1.Apply water to the surface of the soil
a.Water until water runs out of the bottom of the pot.
b.Ensure that roots receive moisture all the way to the bottom of the pot.
2.Bottom watering for excessively dry plants
a.Set your tropical houseplant pot in a container of water until moisture seeps up to the surface of the soil.
b.This allows for the root system to become completely re-saturated with water.
Plant watering warnings:
Watering is the number one killer of houseplants. Many times, owners overestimate the amount of water that their tropical houseplants need. Remember that factors such as varying cultural factors and changes in seasons will affect the amount of water that your plant will need.
Potting soil should be well-drained and appropriate for the nutritional needs of the plant. Soil moisture can only be determined by sight when the plant is already to the wilting point. Obviously is it best to never allow your plant to be deprived of water to the point of wilting. So make sure that you are checking moisture level of the soil by touch.
Need to know more?
Your local nursery is a great resource for discovering more information about how moisture and water levels can affect the health of your tropical houseplant. There, you can also ask more about the needs of your tropical houseplants. Some common concerns that you should be aware of include:
You should never allow the pot to sit in the excess water. Doing so will rob the plant’s root’s of oxygen. This leads to root rot and the eventual death of your plant.
Leach your houseplants to remove excess salts. If you notice a white powder residue around the rim of your plant pots you have a salt problem. Leach your houseplants by pouring water that exceeds the volume of the plant by three times, into the soil. Let all of the excess water pass through the pot and discard it.
Of course the nursery is not the only place to go for more information regarding your tropical houseplant. You can also look online and speak with garden experts on the phone or through e-mail to receive the personalized attention that you need.