by Lauren Vickerman

Created on: August 10, 2008   Last Updated: August 15, 2008

There is a science to everything! When it comes to watering your houseplants many factors must be considered to deliver the most effective moisture to the root zone. Many years as a professional interiorscaper have taught me to pause and consider each plant before addressing its moisture needs. Remember, in all cases, when you water, you want to water thoroughly, saturating the root ball top to bottom, side to side.

First, get your hands dirty! Nothing is more effective than pushing your fingers down into the soil to feel the moisture present. Moisture meters are a poor substitute. If it is a small plant, pick it up! Feeling the weight of the plant can be the best indicator of its moisture level. If you have many large plants in pots 14" diameter or larger, consider purchasing a soil probe. It is a long stick with notches at regular intervals. When pushed down into the soil and rotated, it will reveal a cross-section of soil samples the depth of the pot and allow you to sample moisture levels deep within the root ball. One good brand is SoilSleuth and can be purchased online.

Second, consider the time of year, the exposure and temperature and the last time you watered. It is good practice to pick the same day each week to check your plants for water. Notice, I didn't say "pick the same day each week to water". Overwatering is a very common mistake. If the root ball stays too moist, fungal and bacterial problems arise. Try to imagine if you keep the root ball moderately dry, then the plant will create an "urge" to find moisture, or rather, the roots will reach out to look for moisture. This is a fine balance. Too dry and root hairs dry up and can't regenerate.

Third, make sure you have a proper set-up for the plant. If it is a large plant that you are unable to water at the sink, be sure to have an adequate sized waterproof saucer underneath. A good rule is the saucer diameter should be the width of the diameter of the top of the pot. In other words, not the width of the tapered bottom. The next thing I am about to mention will fly in the face of everything you've ever heard so read carefully! Be sure to have the bottom of the pot directly in the saucer so that the root ball can access the drained water. In most cases, unless you water VERY slowly over the course of several minutes, the water will run right down through the pot and out the bottom with less than 50% of the root ball actually getting any water. This is where wicking comes in. If you leave water

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