Care · Learning guide

Water by observation

A calendar cannot see the moisture in a pot. Your fingers, the pot’s weight and the plant’s condition give better clues.

Check before adding water

Feel the growing medium below the surface where appropriate for the species. A dry crust can hide wet soil beneath. Compare the pot’s weight after watering and as it dries.

Let excess escape

Drainage holes help excess water leave the root zone. Empty standing water from an outer container. Constant saturation can reduce the air available to roots.

Adjust to the setting

Light, temperature, pot size, growing medium and season all affect drying. A plant may use water more slowly in low light. Match care to observation instead of a universal weekly rule.

Further reading: Reference source ↗. Written for this starter collection. Check primary references for specialised use.