Why You Should Water Your Plants Thoroughly
This topic introduces why it is important to water plants thoroughly when caring for flowers. Let's find out together.
Why You Should Water Your Plants Thoroughly
Mainly to allow the roots in the soil to breathe oxygen, to have a process of wet and dry buffering, and to remove any dissolved or unabsorbed fertilizer from the pot with each thorough watering. However, many新手 gardeners have the habit of watering a little bit every day, causing the potting soil to be constantly moist due to accumulated water, leading to compacted soil and root suffocation. As a result, the potted plants may suffer from rotting roots and yellow leaves.
Why Everyone Says to Water Plants Thoroughly
When it comes to watering potted plants, the most common advice is to "water thoroughly when dry," "don't water when not dry," or "water when dry and wet."
Although the expressions are different, they all convey a similar meaning and include the word "dry," which means to water the plant only when the soil is almost completely dry.
Mainly to allow the roots in the soil to breathe oxygen, to have a process of wet and dry buffering, and to remove any dissolved or unabsorbed fertilizer from the pot with each thorough watering.
However, many新手 gardeners have the habit of watering a little bit every day, although the amount is not much, the potting soil is almost never dry, causing the soil to be in a state of compacted soil and root suffocation due to accumulated water.
As a result, the potted plants may suffer from rotting roots and yellow leaves, or even get root rot and downy mildew, leaving no choice but to dispose of the plant along with the soil.
Mastering 2 Key Points for Watering Plants, to Ensure They Thrive:
⑴ Learn to judge when it's time to water:
When the surface of the potting soil turns white, the stems and leaves slightly droop, the once bright green leaves appear a bit discolored, and there are gaps between the soil and the pot, these are signs that it's time to water.
For small potted plants, you can also lift them to feel the weight difference between when they are thoroughly watered and when they are not. It's generally safe to water when the pot feels significantly lighter.
Plants grown outdoors or in the garden need to consider seasonal factors. Watering is only necessary during consecutive sunny and dry periods when the plants show obvious signs of water deficiency. Otherwise, most of the time, they can rely on natural rainfall for growth.
⑵ Treat Different Types of Potted Plants Differently:
Different types of potted plants have different water requirements. Comparatively, succulents with thick, drought-tolerant flesh are more resistant to drought and dislike waterlogging, making them suitable for thorough watering when dry.
For example: succulents, aloe vera, jade plants,Disocactus, and Sansevieria.
Flowering plants are relatively delicate, intolerant to high temperatures and drought, as well as severe cold. Most of them are annuals or herbaceous perennials that require frequent watering during their vigorous growth period, otherwise they will wilt. During other times, it's best to water based on the moisture level of the potting soil.
For example:旱金莲, pennywort, chrysanthemum, Chinese money plant, and dwarf morning glory.
Foliage plants generally prefer a cool and ventilated environment with diffused light and require higher humidity. Besides watering based on the moisture level of the potting soil, occasional foliar sprays are needed in dry environments to increase humidity, ensuring the leaves remain bright green.
For example: Spathiphyllum, Monstera deliciosa, large-leaf green vines, Iris, Asparagus, and Calathea.
Bonsai and woody, shrub-like plants have woody stems and roots. Although they are less prone to root rot, long-term waterlogging can cause yellowing and falling leaves. They are also suitable for the principle of thorough watering when dry.
For example: Bougainvillea, wintersweet, camellia, and Chinese rose.
The above shares a detailed introduction to why it is important to water plants thoroughly when caring for flowers. I hope you will like it!