Watering Houseplants on Demand

The watering methods require that you check on your plants regularly and water them only when they need it. This is the watering on demand system and it inevitably generates the best results. Part of the watering on demand process involves the drench-and-let-dry method — water plants thoroughly, and then let them almost dry out before watering them again.

Almost dry isn't the same as dry. Ferns and other thin-leafed plants never like their potting mix to go anywhere beyond the almost-dry stage. As soon as their mix becomes dry to the touch, water them without delay. Cacti and other succulents, as well as many other thick-leafed plants, don't mind if their soil dries out. Those plants can go a few days with dry soil, or even go weeks without watering if they are in a dormant state.

Check each plant every three to four days and water only those plants that need it.

If you use the watering on demand routine, you probably discover that you tend to water the following plants more often than others:

• Plants growing in clay pots

• Plants with large or thin leaves

• Plants with thin stems

• Plants in full growth

• Underpotted plants

You can also expect to water more often if any of the following environmental conditions exist:

• High temperatures

• Strong sunlight or other bright light

• Dry air

• Air movement, such as a breeze coming through a window

You probably find that you water the following plants less often than your other plants:

• Plants in plastic pots

• Plants with thick, waxy, or hairy leaves, or with no leaves at all

• Plants with thick stems, such as you see on succulents

• Weak or sick plants

• Resting or dormant plants

• Overpotted or freshly repotted plants

You can also expect to water less often if any of the following environmental conditions exist:

• Low temperatures

• Cloudy days or dim light

• Humid air

• Little or no air movement