How to Properly Water Your Plants - A Beginner's Guide to Healthy Houseplants
The Ultimate Guide to Watering Your Houseplants: Tips from Urban Gardener Founder Mason Demrow
My Journey With Watering Houseplantsby Mason Demrow, Urban Gardener Founder. Follow her @theleafmuse
When I first became a plant parent, I thought watering was simple. A splash of water every few days and your houseplants would be fine, right? Well, I quickly learned the hard way (RIP, my first fiddle leaf fig!). Watering is one of the most misunderstood parts of plant care, especially for beginners — and ironically, it's also the most important.
Over the years, I’ve tested countless watering techniques, tried every tip and trick for keeping houseplants healthy, and yes, I’ve still made my fair share of mistakes. But all that experience has helped me understand what plants truly need to thrive.
In this complete guide to watering indoor plants, I’ll share everything I’ve learned to help you avoid common mistakes and confidently care for your green friends. Whether you're just starting your plant care journey, or looking to improve your routine, this is for you.
How Often Should You Water Houseplants?
This is by far the #1 question I get as a plant care expert. Unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The frequency depends on:
Plant type
Pot size and material
Soil mixture
Light exposure
Temperature and humidity
Seasonal changes
For example, your pothos in a sunny window will need watering far more often than your snake plant tucked into a cozy, shady corner.
That’s why I’ll teach you not to rely on rigid watering schedules — instead, learn to read your plants and check soil moisture properly.
Understanding Plant Water Needs: A Quick Watering Guide
Different houseplants have different watering requirements. Here’s a helpful reference to get you started:
🥵 Thirsty Plants (Water when top 1–2 inches of soil feels dry)
Peace Lily
Ferns
Calathea
Pothos
Philodendron
🌿 Moderate Water Users (Water when top 2–3 inches of soil feels dry)
Monstera
Spider Plant
Rubber Plant
ZZ Plant
Dracaena
🌵 Drought-Tolerant Plants (Water when soil is completely dry)
Snake Plant
Succulents
Cacti
Jade Plant
Aloe Vera
👉 Pro tip: Our Urban Gardener Super Growth Elixir boosts plant resilience and helps your plants thrive between waterings.
How to Check Soil Moisture Like a Pro
The finger test is easy and reliable:
Insert your finger 1–2 inches into the soil.
If it feels dry, it’s time to water.
For larger pots, test deeper (3–4 inches).
If you prefer tools, try a moisture meter or the chopstick method!
Recognizing Water Stress: Signs of Underwatering and Overwatering
Signs of Underwatering:
Drooping or wilting leaves
Crispy brown edges
Soil pulling away from the pot sides
Slow growth
Signs of Overwatering:
Yellowing leaves
Mushy stems
Fungus gnats or moldy soil
Wilting despite wet soil
💡 Remember: Always check soil moisture to diagnose correctly!
Choosing the Right Pots & Drainage for Healthy Plants
Proper pots prevent root rot and moisture problems:
Terracotta: Dries out faster, great for thirsty plants.
Plastic/Ceramic: Holds moisture longer.
Self-Watering Pots: Help maintain even moisture for busy plant parents.
Best Watering Techniques for Indoor Plants
✅ Top Watering:
Water evenly until it drains from the pot’s bottom.
Avoid small "sips" of water — deep watering encourages strong roots.
✅ Bottom Watering:
Soak the pot in water for 15–30 minutes.
Perfect for avoiding soil displacement and fungus gnats.
When to Water: Best Time of Day
Morning is best! Watering in the morning gives your plants moisture during active hours and allows leaves to dry, preventing fungal diseases.
Water Quality Matters
Rainwater is the gold standard.
Tap water is fine, but let it sit overnight to release chlorine.
Filtered water works well for sensitive plants.
Distilled water is ideal for orchids or carnivorous plants.
Avoid These Common Watering Mistakes
❌ Overwatering: The #1 killer of houseplants.
✔️ Check soil moisture first!
❌ Underwatering: Leads to crispy leaves and stunted growth.
✔️ Set reminders and check regularly.
❌ Watering on a strict schedule:
✔️ Water based on your plant’s needs, not your calendar.
❌ Ignoring seasonal changes:
✔️ Water less in winter, more in summer!
Seasonal Adjustments for Watering Success
🌸 Spring/Summer:
Water more often as plants grow.
Increase humidity if needed.
❄️ Fall/Winter:
Reduce watering frequency by 30–50%.
Allow soil to dry more between waterings.
Smart Tools for Easier Plant Care
✅ Long-spout watering can (like our favorites!) ✅ Moisture meter for precision ✅ Self-watering pots for busy days ✅ Plant care apps to track watering schedules
Build a Routine That Works
Group plants by watering needs.
Check moisture once or twice a week.
Adjust as seasons and conditions change.
Keep a simple plant journal!
And don’t forget — nourishing your plants with products like like our Super Growth Elixir keeps them strong and more resilient to watering mistakes.
Final Thoughts: Watering Is the Heart of Plant Care
Watering truly is the foundation of happy, healthy plants. With a little practice and the right tools, you’ll become confident in caring for your houseplants — whether you’re a beginner or looking to level up your skills.
Remember, even experienced plant parents make mistakes. Don’t stress! Pay attention to your plants, adjust your approach, and enjoy the journey.
🌿 Looking for natural, easy-to-use plant care products? Explore our sprays and fertilizers to help your houseplants thrive at Urban Gardener. 🌿
If you found this guide helpful, share it with your fellow plant lovers, and follow our green journey on Instagram @geturbangardener.
Happy growing! 🌱