When should you water the plant?
Most indoor plants prefer the soil to dry out between waterings, so it’s best to wait until the soil is relatively dry before adding more water.
For small pots, you can check moisture levels by inserting your finger about 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) into the soil. If it feels dry at that depth, it's time to water; if it still feels moist, wait a few days and check again.
For larger pots, where it's harder to assess moisture by touch, a soil moisture meter can offer a more accurate reading and help avoid over- or underwatering.
Keep in mind that all plants show signs when they're thirsty - keep an eye out for the following indicators:
drooping or wilting leaves
Most foliage indoor plants will develop drooping or wilting leaves when they’re thirsty, which is one of the most common and visible signs that they need water.
This happens due to a drop in turgor pressure—the internal water pressure within plant cells that keeps them firm and upright. When the soil dries out, the plant can't absorb enough water through its roots, causing the water levels inside its cells to decrease. As a result, turgor pressure drops, and the cells lose their firmness, leading the leaves to droop or wilt. This is the plant’s natural way of signaling that it's dehydrated.
Fortunately, once the plant is watered, turgor pressure is restored, and the leaves often perk back up within a few hours.drooping or wilting leaves
Soft, wrinkled leaves
Most succulents and succulent-like plants, including Hoyas, Peperomias, and Snake Plants, develop soft, wrinkled, or slightly shriveled leaves when they’re thirsty.
Unlike foliage plants that droop, succulents store water in their thick leaves, stems, or roots. When they haven't received enough water, these storage tissues begin to deplete, causing the leaves to lose their firmness and appear limp or wrinkled. This is a clear sign the plant needs hydration. Once watered, the leaves usually plump back up within a day or two as they reabsorb moisture.
How should you water the plant?
Showering
Simply place small plants in the kitchen sink and larger plants in the bathtub. Give the plant a quick shower, then let the water run through the pot for a few minutes to ensure the soil is evenly moist, as dry soil may take some time to absorb water. Leave the plants in place for a few hours to allow as much water as possible to drain.
The gentle spray from the shower ensures even watering, helping to hydrate the roots properly. For plants with large leaves, showering can also wash off dust, allowing the plant to breathe better and photosynthesize more effectively. Additionally, the shower can help remove harmful pests that might be hiding on the leaves, promoting overall plant health.
Bottom Watering
For plants kept in grow or nursery pots. To use it, place the potted plant in a shallow tray or bowl filled with water and let it soak for 15–30 minutes, allowing the plant to absorb moisture through the drainage holes.
We typically keep most of our large plants in their plastic nursery pots, placed inside decorative pots with a tray underneath. To water, simply pour the recommended amount of water onto the soil. The excess water will drain into the tray, and the soil will absorb the remaining moisture back, ensuring the plant gets the right amount of hydration.
Using self-watering terracotta spikes
Some of our large pre-potted desert plants are equipped with one or two self-watering terracotta spikes.
Simply fill the terracotta spikes with water (preferably distilled water) when the soil is dry, which you can check with a soil moisture meter. The terracotta material slowly releases water into the soil, helping to maintain consistent moisture levels without the risk of overwatering.
Showering small plants in the sink
SHOWERING large plants in the bathroom
recommended plant care products
Bonide Insect Control Systemic Granules
For treating mealybugs, thrips, and fungus gnats. These granules work systemically, meaning the active ingredient is absorbed by the plant and then targets insects when they feed on it.
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BioAdvanced 3-in-1 Insect, Disease & Plant Mite Control
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MICROBE-LIFT BMC Biological Mosquito Control
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Predatory Mite
A biological pest control solution designed to combat spider mites and other mite species in various growing environments, including indoor and outdoor gardens, greenhouses, and hydroponic systems.
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