Plant Nerdery

Water is a vital element for plant growth, but like all good things, it’s all about balance. Too little or too much water can lead to a variety of problems, affecting the health and well-being of your plants. This plant watering guide explores the nuances of over-watering and under-watering, helping you recognize the signs and implement solutions to maintain the optimal health of your green companions.

Over-watering

This occurs when plants receive more water than they can use or evaporate. This condition leads to a waterlogged substrate environment that restricts oxygen flow to the roots, causing root rot and a host of other issues. Over-watered plants struggle to breathe and absorb nutrients effectively, leading to stunted growth and vulnerability to pests and diseases.

1. Yellowing Leaves: Over-watered plants often have leaves that turn yellow and become soft and limp. This is one of the earliest signs of excessive water. Yellowing leaves for older growth is a part of the natural plant cycle but yellowing leaves on new growth is over-watering.
2. Wilting: Oddly enough, both over and under-watering can cause plants to wilt. However, over-watered plants wilt with moist substrate, indicating that poor drainage or excessive watering is at play.
3. Root Rot: If you notice a foul smell coming from the substrate or if the roots appear brown and mushy upon inspection, your plant is likely suffering from root rot, a clear sign of over-watering.
4. Fungus Gnats: These pests are attracted to moist environments. Over-watering creates perfect conditions for fungus gnats to thrive. They’re small, dark-colored flies that hover around the substrate surface and can harm young plants or seedlings by feeding on their roots.
5. Mold or Algae Growth: Excess moisture creates a conducive environment for mold and algae on the substrate surface, indicating too much water.
6. Stunted Growth and Leaf Drop: Over-watered plants may stop growing or start shedding leaves as they struggle to deal with the water stress.

Addressing Over-watering:

• Adjust Your Watering Schedule: Reduce the frequency of watering, allowing the substrate to dry out somewhat between watering sessions. Stick your finger into the substrate; if it’s still moist an inch below the surface, wait before adding more water.
• Improve Drainage: Ensure your pots have adequate drainage holes. Consider adding perlite or sand to the substrate mix to increase drainage.
• Re-potting: If root rot has set in, you may need to re-pot the plant in fresh, dry substrate after removing any rotten roots. Choose a pot that’s the right size for the plant to avoid excessive substrate moisture retention.

Under-watering

on the other hand, under watering happens when plants do not receive enough water to meet their physiological needs. This can lead to dehydration, where the plant’s cells lack the necessary water to perform photosynthesis, transport nutrients, and maintain structural integrity. Under-watered plants exhibit signs of distress through their leaves and overall growth performance.

1. Dry, Brittle Leaves: Leaves may appear dry, crispy, and may even curl at the edges due to lack of moisture.
2. Drooping: Unlike the wilting from over-watering, drooping from lack of water comes with dry substrate. The plant looks lifeless but might perk up after watering.
3. Slow Growth or No Growth: Without adequate water, plants cannot carry out normal growth processes, leading to stunted growth.
4. Leaf Scorch/Burn: Leaves may show signs of scorching or burning at the edges, a symptom of inadequate hydration.
5. Premature Flowering or Fruiting: In a bid to reproduce before dying, an under-watered plant may flower prematurely.

Addressing Underwatering:

• Increase Watering Frequency: Begin by slowly increasing your watering frequency, ensuring the substrate gets moist but not waterlogged. Dry-rot may occur
• Substrate Amendment: Incorporate peat moss or vermiculite into your substrate to improve its water retention capabilities.
• Mulching: Applying a layer of orchid bark around the base of the plant can help retain substrate moisture.
• Monitor Plant Needs: Understand the specific water needs of your plants since they can vary widely. Some plants prefer drier conditions, while others thrive in moist substrate.

Conclusion

Watering your plants correctly is more of an art than a science, requiring observation, understanding, and adjustment to your plants’ needs. By recognizing the signs of over-watering and under-watering, you can take proactive steps to ensure your plants receive just the right amount of water to thrive. Remember, healthy plants are happy plants, and with a little attention and care, you can prevent the stress of water imbalance and enjoy the lush, vibrant growth of your indoor gardens.