How to Properly Water Potted Plants

Overview

Potted plants are a great addition to any home or office area. Properly watering potted plants is crucial to healthy and beautiful container gardens. The amount of water needed will vary on the type of potting container, size of the container, exposure to sunlight and particular plant. However, there are some fundamental principles to follow to properly water potted plants.

Step 1

Read the plant care instructions that came with your potted plant. Ask your local gardener the amount of water and sunlight your particular plant needs to thrive and maintain gorgeous growth.

Step 2

Fill a spray bottle with room-temperature tap water. Lift the lower leaves and branches of the potted plant. Spray the base of the plant with a fine mist for a few seconds.

Step 3

Wait one minute for the soil to absorb the water. Repeat spraying additional times, until the water is draining from the drainage hole at the base of the planting pot.

Step 4

Empty the drainage tray from under the potted plant. Leaving standing water can cause root rot in the lower portion of the container.

Step 5

Check plants daily for dried soil. Reposition plants to get less sun or be closer together if water evaporation is a problem.