Abstract:

Are your large houseplants giving you a headache? Every time you water them, it seems like only the surface gets wet while the roots remain dry. Don't worry, today we'll teach you some tricks to make your large potted plants drink their fill! I. Understand Your Potted Plant's "Appetite" Did you know that different potted plants have different water requirements...

Are your large houseplants giving you a headache? Every time you water them, it seems like only the surface gets wet while the roots remain dry. Don't worry, today we'll teach you some tricks to make your large potted plants drink their fill!

I. Understand Your Potted Plant's "Appetite"

Did you know that different potted plants have very different water requirements? For example, those leafy plants that love water, like pothos and spider plants, are like little "chubby drinkers" who wilt at the slightest dryness. On the other hand, drought-tolerant plants like cacti and succulents are like "skinny people" who don't mind going without water for several days.

II. Preparations Before Watering

1. Check the soil: Before watering, feel the potting soil with your hand to assess its moisture level. If the soil surface is already dry, it's time to give it some water.

2. Check the roots: Sometimes, even if the soil looks dry on the surface, the roots may have absorbed enough moisture. In this case, you can gently insert a chopstick into the soil to feel the moisture around the roots.

III. Watering Techniques Revealed

1. Soaking method: This is the simplest and most effective method. Place the pot in a container filled with water and let the water slowly penetrate the soil. This method works well for most large potted plants.

2. Root-watering: If you don't want to soak the entire pot, try root-watering. Use a spray bottle or watering can to pour water directly onto the soil so it reaches the roots.

3. Leaf misting: For plants that enjoy humid air, such as pothos and spider plants, you can use a spray bottle to mist the leaves while watering to increase humidity.

IV. Timing Matters

1. Morning: Morning is the best time to water. At this time, sunlight isn't too intense, evaporation is slow, and plants can fully absorb the water.

2. Evening: Evening is also a good choice. By then, plants have completed photosynthesis and need to replenish their water supply.

3. Avoid midday: Midday sun is strong, causing rapid evaporation and making watering less effective.

V. Watering Precautions

1. Don't do "half-watering": Only wetting the soil surface while leaving the roots dry won't work.

2. Don't use tap water directly: The chlorine and bleach in tap water are harmful to plants. It's best to let tap water sit for a while before using it to allow the chlorine to evaporate.

3. Don't water at midday: High temperatures during midday cause rapid evaporation and can burn plant leaves.

4. Don't use fertilizer water: Fertilizer water can easily cause soil compaction and affect plant growth.

VI. Keeping Soil Loose

1. Regularly loosen the soil: Gently loosen the topsoil with a small trowel or chopstick to improve soil aeration.

2. Use organic fertilizers: Organic fertilizers can improve soil structure and increase fertility.

3. Avoid chemical fertilizers: Chemical fertilizers can easily cause soil compaction and affect plant growth.

VII.

Watering may seem simple, but it's actually an art form. Master the correct watering methods to ensure your large potted plants get plenty of water and grow more lushly! Remember, moderation is key - not too much, not too little. Let's work together to make our indoor plants beautiful additions to our homes!