WATERING TIPS

Plants should be watered according to their individual needs rather than following strict schedules. Some thrive in moist soil, while others do better in relatively dry conditions. Avoid overwatering—more plants perish due to excess water than any other cause. When watering, thoroughly saturate the soil, let it drain, and refrain from watering until necessary. Use lukewarm water. Before watering any plant, test the soil's condition at least two inches below the surface using your finger or a moisture meter. Since conditions can vary, it's important to use the moisture meter for each plant to assess its specific water requirements. This tool is essential for pots deeper than 8 inches.

While you're getting accustomed to the proper watering routine, check your plants with a moisture meter once a week.

Guidelines for Wise Watering:

• Understand the watering needs of each plant.

• Water Quality: Let tap water sit overnight to reach room temperature and allow chlorine to evaporate. Alternatively, use rain or filtered water.

• Watering Hanging Plants: Either take them down to water or use a long-spout watering can for pots with internal reservoirs.

Proper Watering Technique Using a Moisture Meter:

Frequency depends on factors like the environment, pot size, and proximity to HVAC systems. The moisture meter is the best tool to determine when to water. Water evenly around the base/trunk of the plant. The amount and frequency of watering change with the seasons, so rely on the moisture meter for accurate testing. Watering should be done slowly to prevent flooding, as each plant has an interior saucer to catch excess water.

For specific plants like dracaena, cactus, succulent, ficus, or palms, the soil should be allowed to dry out between waterings. For most other interior plants, follow the guidance below:

• WET meter reading (green): No additional water needed.

• MOIST meter reading (yellow): Apply a small amount of water evenly around the base of the plant.

• DRY meter reading (red): Water a small amount evenly around the base of the plant, wait 10 minutes, then water a bit more. Recheck the reading after an hour and repeat as necessary until the soil reads wet on the probe.

Special Instructions for Specific Plants:

Hardier foliage and heavier roots require less water. For instance, plants like the rubber plant (Ficus elastica) or the Kentia palm (Howeia forsteriana). The amount of foliage also affects water usage. Trimmed, resting, or unhealthy plants should be kept drier until they resume active growth.

Cacti, succulents, dracaenas, and sansevierias should experience occasional dry periods between waterings. When watering, ensure proper saturation by using the moisture meter to check the soil in three different locations. If the reading isn't consistently wet throughout, water again and repeat the probing. Check weekly to biweekly to determine when the soil has dried out and the plant is ready for watering.

If the soil consistently reads wet for several weeks, the plant may have been overwatered, and the internal reservoir should be checked for standing water. Empty the reservoir and allow the soil to fully dry before watering again.

Remember, watering needs are specific to each plant, so observe your plants and adjust your watering routine accordingly.

Eventually your plants will need to be fertilized. You can use Sydney’s favorite fertilizer.

It is wise to start a fertilizer program early in your plant care, see more information here.