Signs you’re overwatering your houseplants

If you’re watering your plants and they’re still looking a little sad, it could be a case of overwatering. So put that watering can down and listen up.

In this article we’re going to cover:
1. The signs of overwatering
2. How to save your plant from overwatering
3. Best practices for watering indoor houseplants

1. Signs you’ve overwatered your houseplants

Are you killing your houseplants with kindness? Signs of overwatering vary by plant. While we always recommend plant owners take some time to look up specific care instructions for their plant, there are some general indicators to look out for:

• If the soil is wet but the plant is wilting
• Rotted roots that appear black or mushy to the touch. Poor drainage or overwatering can create rotten roots and reduce the level of oxygen required for roots to breathe
• Fungus or gnats around the soil
• Brown leaves can also be a symptom of either overwatering or underwatering. Stick your finger into the soil near the roots to see if it feels dry or wet. If it’s wet your plant may be overwatered.

2. How to save your houseplants after overwatering

Reversing the signs of overwatering can be difficult depending on how severe the damage is. If you think you’re plant is suffering as a result of overwatering you could try:

• Repotting your plant and removing any dead or rotten roots
• Replacing the soil if it smells rotten
• Watering your plant only when the soil is dry to the touch
• Aerating your soil regularly to ensure oxygen can get into the soil. Some of the ways you can do this is by breaking up the existing soil and poking holes into the soil (chopsticks are great for this)
• Changing to a more aerated potting mix, or using a porous pot such as clay. This could improve the amount of oxygen reaching the roil
• Relocating the plant to a shady location

Give your plant a couple weeks to recover to see if the changes have made an impact. 

3. Watering tips for your houseplants

You’ve identified the signs of overwatering and taken steps to reverse any damage. Now it’s important not to fall back into old habits! Remember to:

• Water in the morning as this gives the plant time to dry out during the day. You don’t want to soil to stay too damp and attract bugs and diseases
• Adapt your watering routine according to season. Summer may call for a more frequent watering schedule versus winter
• Ensure water is able to get down to the root by applying water directly to the soil. You should be able to see water come out through the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot. However DO NOT let it sit in a pool of water – excess water should be drained away. It is better to water thoroughly rather than frequently
• Give an OCCASIONAL sprinkling of water over the leaves followed by a wipe down with a cloth to remove dust and keep the plant clean
• Invest in a soil moisture meter. This will tell you whether the plant needs watering and should give you an indication as to whether your watering methods are working
• If you have a topical plant give them an occasionally misting or take them into the bathroom for some extra humidity

TIP: It is better to water thoroughly rather than frequently

Take your plant to the sink or bath. Thoroughly water your plant so you can see water dripping through the drainage holes at the bottom of the brown nursery pot. Give your pot a few squeezes and then return to it’s decorative pot. Your plant should not be sitting in any excess water.

And of course each plant is different, and what works is dependent on a variety of factors. So don’t forget to do some research into your plant to create a more tailored approach! 

P.S If you’re looking for no-fuss plants that are hard to kill try some of these:

ZZ Plant Gem Small

Opuntia Cactus Plant Collection 3 Opuntia’s Perfect Houseplants

Pothos Marble Queen, Devils’ Ivy, Ceylon Creeper, Hanging Plants

Philodendron Scandens Brasil