How to save wilted large indoor plants
It pays to know the signs of under- or over-watered plants. Plants will ‘tell you’ if you’re not doing it right. If your large indoor plants is looking sickly, first check the compost. If it’s dry, immerse the plant’s pot in a bucket of water and hold it down – air should bubble up. Leave it until the compost is soaked through and the plant shows signs of perking up. Allow the water to drain before returning it to where it was growing.
Wilted yellow leaves can be a sign of overwatering. If the compost is damp, let it dry out before you next water. How to water large indoor plants ?
How to water large indoor plants: Self-Watering containers
As long as you don’t go overboard with filling the pot with water, self-watering containers are a mess-free alternative and as the soil dries it wicks up the water held in the container’s reservoir.
Additional pros of self-watering containers are they are inexpensive, come in a vast array of colors and sizes, so there’s something to fit your plant’s size and indoor color scheme. There’s a spout on the reservoir that allows you to pour out excess water, if you’ve added too much, and they work well if you are going out of town for a short amount of time.
Depending on the pot’s size, the bottom reservoir holds anywhere from 2- to about 4-cups of water. In addition, you can either water the soil from the top or add water to the bottom reservoir by pouring it in through the bottom spout.
Use a watering can with a long and thin spout, as it makes it easier to pour fluid into the reservoir without spilling.
how to water large indoor plants
How to water large plants from the bottom
Bottom watering – in which a plant absorbs water from the bottom instead of the top – is a great way to give your plants a sufficient drink without drenching their foliage. It ensures that those important roots near the bottom are getting enough to drink, which is harder when watering from the top.
You can add water to the pot’s saucer and let it sit, adding more water if necessary, until the soil is wet underneath the surface – then drain the water. You can also use a container that is large enough to hold the planter, and fill it halfway or so with water. If the soil feels moist under the surface after 10 minutes, remove it. If still dry, give it another 10 minutes, or long enough to get moisture to the top. Regardless of how long you let it soak, do not forget about it and let it soak all day.
The only problem with bottom-watered plants is that it doesn’t remove excess salts from the soil like top watering does. Easy solution: Top water your bottom-watered plants once a month or so.
how to water large indoor plants
Additional tips on houseplant watering
Most experts agree – Do not water on a set schedule. That is because factors such as cloudy days, heat or cooling, drafts and other situations will affect the soil’s dampness.
The best tip is to use your hands and feel the soil. If it is dry when you insert a finger, it is time to water. Water deeply each time to leach salts and get water to the roots. If there is a saucer, empty extra water after half an hour.
Use room temperature water to avoid shocking the plant. Many plants enter a dormant period in winter where they are not actively growing and should have irrigation cut in half. If in doubt, keep plants a bit on the dry side and use a moisture meter to accurately gauge each plant’s needs.
how to water large indoor plants
Water the soil, not the leaves
It’s also important to avoid splashing the leaves when you water your plant. Make sure the spout of your watering can is below the leaves and aimed only at the soil. This easy method helps prevent bacterial infections, fungal infections, and other health issues.
Water thoroughly and evenly
Plant’s root systems mirror their foliage. If you only water one side the roots and leaves will grow towards the water that’s available on that side. To keep your plant full and lush, water evenly all the way around the pot. Water thoroughly until water flows out the bottom of the pot into the saucer.
