Weekly watering is not right for every plant. Learn how to recognise when your houseplants actually need water.
How Often Should You Water Your Houseplants?
One of the most common questions about houseplants is also one of the hardest to answer with a fixed number.
How often you should water depends on the plant, season, pot size, temperature and amount of light it receives.
Check the soil first
Rather than automatically watering every week, feel the soil with your finger.
Tropical plants such as Monstera and Philodendron generally prefer watering once the upper layer of soil has dried.
Succulents and drought-tolerant plants such as Crassula, Haworthia and Sansevieria prefer much drier soil.
Your plants need less water in winter
During spring and summer, plants usually grow faster and use more water.
During autumn and winter, growth slows down because there are fewer daylight hours. This means the soil stays moist for longer.
Signs of overwatering
Common signs include:
- Yellowing leaves
- Soft stems
- Constantly wet soil
- An unpleasant smell from the soil
- Root rot
Signs of underwatering
You may notice:
- Drooping leaves
- Dry soil
- Crispy leaf edges
- Wrinkled succulent leaves
When in doubt, check the soil rather than the calendar.