How You Are Watering Your Plants Wrong

When you are watering your plant, keeping it at optimum is the key. With plants requiring water for the metabolic process, it is vital to water them. But overwatering is not desirable. Not only does it lead to choking the plants, but you are also wasting a priced commodity water. Unfortunately, most people are expected to water their plants the wrong way, and it is not just overwatering that is the problem! Here are the top mistakes that even avid gardeners commit!

For Potted Plants

1. 1. They are treating all plants equally! All plants have different requirements for their growth. Depending on their physiological needs, they require appropriate watering. Succulent plants like aloe and cacti can thrive even if they are watered once a week. At the same time, some plants like hydrangea require deep watering daily. Also, the watering cycle changes with seasons of growth as well as the climate. Hence identify the water requirements of plants separately to avoid over or under-watering.
   2. You forget about the pH! Some plants require acidic conditions for their proper growth. In such cases, if you water them with regular tap water (which has a lot of essential components present in it), the soil’s acidity is lost, which interferes with their growth. Ideally, you should give them distilled water or nullify the essential components by adding a little bit of vinegar to the soil. 
   3. No drainage system! Without a drainage hole, the water does not have an outlet to pass through and remains stagnant inside the soil, making it too saturated with moisture. Plants like succulents quickly start to rot in these conditions. Hence, before planting the plants, make sure you ensure it has a proper drainage system. 

For Garden Plants

Plants planted in the garden bear the brunt of far harsher weather conditions; however, you don’t need to worry about underwatering as they have soil to take care of the matter. But still, here are some mistakes to avoid while watering garden plants.

1. They are using the automatic sprinkling system! Automatic sprinkling systems are a boon if you want to care for your floral partners while away on vacation. But setting them on every day throughout the year without any differentiation makes the situation different altogether. As mentioned beforehand, different plants have different requirements for water, and this requirement changes with seasons. However, the automatic sprinklers don’t work with external conditions in mind. This can often lead to overwatering when it is least desired. Therefore, while setting the sprinklers, adjust the watering depending on the season. 

For Plants In General

Here are some watering mistakes you must have been indulging in for plants in general. 

1. 1. It was watering when the sun was high up in the sky and at night! When the sun is at its peak, the transpiration rate is highest, so is the evaporation. Therefore, even before the water has the chance to penetrate the soil, much of it will be taken up by the sun. An opposite effect is seen when you water them at night. Since there is no sun, the transpiration ceases, and the plant is moist with surplus water. This is not desirable as the dampness attracts diseases, especially fungal diseases. 
   2. They were watering the leaves! Sprinkling water on the leaves is not a good idea, though it is not an absolute no. It is advised not to water the leaves as it may increase the chances of fungal diseases. Plants mainly absorb water through the roots. The absorption mechanism is aided by transpiration, where the water molecules are lost through the leaf’s surface. If the leaves are drenched in water, the transpiration is not seen in an immediate effect, decreasing the absorption of water.  

Conclusion 

Even if you have cared for your plants for a long time, you must have noticed how conveniently you failed to notice these aspects of watering plants. If you have sturdy plants at home, you might not even notice the consequences of your actions. But that does not mean the plants are not suffering. Follow these tips to make sure your green friends are receiving as much water as they need!