Discover the signs of improper watering. If your houseplants have any of these signs, watering is likely to blame. Also find out how to fix overwatering and underwatering. Provide plants with the right ratio and frequency of watering, and you’ll have happy, healthy houseplants.
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Today, we’re talking about how to tell whether your houseplants are being overwatered or underwatered. Understanding the signs can help you better manage your plant care routine.
🌊 Signs of Overwatered Houseplants
Overwatering means you’re watering too frequently, not necessarily too much at once. Here are the key symptoms:
Soft, limp leaves that turn yellow or brown, even though the soil is wet.
Root dieback leads to the plant being unable to send water to the foliage, a sign of root rot.
Brown spotting on leaves, caused by fungal infections.
Mushy stems, especially at the base or crown.
No new growth, despite having moist soil.
Wet soil that smells like rotting eggs—another root rot indicator.
Fungus or mold growing on the soil surface.
Presence of fungus gnats, which breed in persistently wet soil.
☀️ Signs of Underwatered Houseplants
Underwatering means your plant isn’t getting water often enough. Watch for these signs:
Drooping leaves that perk up right after watering.
Browning or curling leaves.
Thin, crispy leaves, especially common in tropical plants.
Wrinkled or shriveled leaves on succulents.
Slow or stunted growth, especially on new leaves.
Dried-out roots that look shriveled.
Hard, compacted soil on top and fissures (cracks) in the potting mix.
When watering, water runs through without soaking, indicating hydrophobic soil.
For plants in plastic pots, squeezing the pot can help break up the soil. If the plant is in a ceramic pot, you may need to repot or loosen the soil carefully to allow for better water absorption.
Healthy plants begin with healthy roots! The right water frequency ensures your plant thrives. Be mindful of what your plants are telling you.
FAQ: Signs of Overwatering and Underwatering in Houseplants
What are the signs of an overwatered houseplant?
Signs include soft, limp leaves that are yellow or brown, mushy stems, brown spots from fungal infections, lack of growth, and a foul-smelling wet soil.
What causes root rot in houseplants?
Root rot is typically caused by watering too frequently, which leads to oxygen deprivation and fungal infections in the root zone.
How do I know if my plant is underwatered?
Underwatered plants show drooping leaves that perk up after watering, crispy or curled leaf edges, wrinkled leaves (especially in succulents), and dry, hard soil.
Why does water run straight through my plant’s soil?
This usually happens when the soil has become too dry and hydrophobic, causing water to bypass the root zone instead of soaking in.
How can I fix compacted or hydrophobic soil?
For plastic pots, gently squeeze the sides to loosen soil. For ceramic pots, repotting or gently loosening the soil can help improve water absorption.
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