Indoor plants need timely and proper watering. Each crop has its characteristics and needs for the amount of moisture that we must take into account. Otherwise, the plants may die.
Consider the most common mistakes made when watering indoor flowers.
1. Water only from Above
Overhead watering is possible but not suitable for all plants. Top watering contraindicates for some varieties of cacti – they shouldn’t wet the caudex. Some indoor plants do not like moisture on the leaves – violet, hibiscus. In addition, overhead watering is highly inconvenient for plants with a wide crown – the water spreads in different directions past the pot.
How to Do it Right
It is necessary to choose the watering method for each plant.
The top method is suitable for bulbous flowers – this is how water enters the top layer of the soil and is gradually distributed from top to bottom without stagnating at the roots.
Watering from the bottom (submersible method) is suitable for cacti and violets – this way, the root system will receive the required amount of moisture, while the upper part of the plant will be dry.
2. Use Running Cold Water
One of the most common mistakes is moistening indoor flowers with cold tap water (prevalent in hot weather). This error can be fatal for delicate indoor flora:
- Coldwater will provoke a shocking state for the root system.
- Such watering cools the soil too much, which can slow down the plant’s growth and development.
- The presence of cold water in the soil (especially it’s excess) can cause rot on the roots.
How to Do it Right
Use water at room temperature. Plants do not need to be cooled with cold water in the heat – this is pointless. As a rule, if it is too hot and the plants require more moisture, they need to be watered more often. Spraying or drafts are suitable for some varieties.
3. Strictly Follow the Watering Schedule
A frequent occurrence – indoor flowers are watered clearly on schedule. Over time, plants begin to ache, dry out or wither, and the fault is in the unfair distribution of moisture.
The location of the flower also affects. For example, a flower near a heating radiator or on a windowsill on the south side will require much more water than a flower standing on a desk in a cool walk-through room.
How to Do it Right
We should understand that each flower has its own needs, and they differ significantly. How to calculate watering correctly:
- It is necessary to determine the need for water for each flower.
- Monitor the condition of the soil – water each plant as needed.
- Do not water if “on schedule”, but the ground is still relatively wet.
Pay attention to the plant. If the stems and leaves become lethargic, the color fades, and the soil in the pot is completely dry – the flower is thirsty.
4. Same Watering Frequency throughout the Year
Even if you keep the apartment at the same temperature, plants still need to adjust the watering frequency depending on the season. The same watering throughout the year negatively affects the development and flowering.
How to Do it Right
Water according to the biological cycle. All representatives of flora (and not only domestic ones) have a natural process. Winter is a period of slowing growth, so moisture needs to be reduced. Summer and spring are active phases of development, so more abundant watering is required.
5. Using Warm or Hot Water
If it is cold in the apartment and you brought a plant from the street and carrying in the cold, it needs to be heated. Heating means warm or hot water, which you need to water the flower.
It absolutely must not be done. After being in the cold for a short time, the flowers will survive, and if you fill them with hot water, it will destroy the roots. A substantial temperature drop, especially hot water after frost, is autumn, a strong shock for the plant, leading to the rapid decay of the root system. As a rule, this is a fatal error that can cause the flower to die quickly.
How to Do it Right
Drizzle with water at room temperature. In general, try not to create sudden changes in temperature for capricious indoor flowers – this is a shock for the plant in any case.
6. The Remaining Water in the Pan after Watering is needed by the Plant
It is believed that we created the tray to hold water for the Plant, feeding it with moisture. It is a misconception – stagnant humidity can lead to decay of the root system, the appearance of mold, and fungal diseases.
How to Do it Right
Always drain the sump promptly. It is better to water moisture-loving plants more often without creating stagnant water.
7. Too Much Watering
All plant crops need a certain amount of moisture. According to the principle, “the more water, the healthier and better.”
Too much water in a pot of indoor flowers can cause white mold, a significant hazard. If you notice mold on flowers, a sluggish and soft stem of a plant, withered leaves with traces of rot – this is already a big problem due to excess moisture.
How to Do it Right
You can try to save the plant. Methods:
- Remove it carefully from the pot.
- Clean it. If there is mucus, disinfect it.
- Place on absorbent dry paper (kitchen towels, etc.).
- Do not squeeze out the roots – let everything dry naturally.
- Leave to dry for 8-12 hours.
- Try planting again – in new soil and a different pot.
- Don’t pour so hard anymore.
Water your indoor flowers correctly and based on their preferences. Moisture-loving crops can suffer from an excess of moisture no less than drought lovers from a lack of moisture.
When watering, it is essential to balance all indoor representatives of the flora – and they will thank you with lush flowering and aesthetic appearance.