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The number one problem people have with houseplants is not watering them properly. With the right watering schedule, you will soon be well on your way to having healthy houseplants to enjoy year round.
The two-day rule
Make your rounds at least every two days to check on all of your houseplants. Your plants need your attention on a regular basis!
Depending on how many you have it shouldn’t take you more than 10 minutes to do a thorough check on each plant. You may want to do this before you leave for work or immediately after you come home from work. The important thing is not the time you do it, but that you remember to check on your plants.
Before you make your rounds, fill up a small saucepan or container with ice cubes to water your plants with. By using ice cubes instead of plain water, you will drastically reduce the risk of over-watering your plants.
Check each plants soil for dryness either by sight or touch to determine if it needs water. Most plants like their topsoil to be dry to the touch before they need more water. Be sure to water only the plants that need it by placing ice cubes on the soil.
Depending on the location of each plant, how large it is, what type it is and how much sun it receives each day, each plant will need a different amount of water. Those that live next to a window will drink up more water than those in a low light area. After a few short weeks of scheduled watering, you will begin to get to know each plant and how much water it consumes.
Fertilizing schedule
About once a month, your watering schedule should include fertilizing too. If you use liquid fertilizer you will want to skip the ice cubes for this watering and just use the fertilizer mixture as they are typically diluted with water. Otherwise, check the directions on your fertilizer and be sure to include it in your watering schedule as often as necessary.
Rotation schedule
Another thing you should add to your watering schedule is a monthly rotation of your plants. For your plants that need lots of light, try putting them out on the patio or porch for a couple of hours while there is plenty of sunlight. This will help your plants thrive and get the sun they need.
If you see certain plants aren’t doing well in the place you have them, try moving them to a new location before watering them. Use your best judgment to determine whether the plant was getting the right amount of water and sun and adjust accordingly.
Put your watering schedule to work
The most important thing you can do to keep your plants happy is to stick to your watering schedule. Not only will your plants thank you, but you’ll also find you come to enjoy the time you’ve set aside to care for your plants.
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