Watering

Most houseplants don't want to stay wet, but they also don't want to go bone dry forever. The trick is finding that middle ground--when the entire root zone has dried out enough to water again. That's when you act.

We recommend bottom watering most of the time. It encourages deeper roots, reduces the chance of fungus gnats, and helps avoid overwatering the surface. But even that method needs a reset now and then.

How We Water

• Bottom watering: Set your pot in a container of water (we use a metal bowl from the dollar store) and let it soak for 15-30 minutes, then drain. Only water again when the soil is dry a few inches down (or it feels light).

• Top watering: Use it occasionally to flush out fertilizer salts and mineral buildup--especially if you see a white crust on the soil or around the drainage holes.

• Always drain thoroughly. Whether watering from the bottom or not, never let your plant sit in standing water afterward. We put our plants in the sink and let them drain for at least the same length of time they soaked for.

Signs It's Time To Water:

• Soil is dry several inches down (check with a wooden chop stick or your finger)

• Pot feels noticeably lighter than after a fresh soak

• Leaves are just starting to droop--not crispy, but just soft or limp

Plants grow faster in warm months and may need more water. In winter, things slow down--so water less often. Don't panic if you forget now and then. Most plants bounce back better from being too dry than too wet.

See our Rebel Note, Drink Up, Darling where we discuss watering in-depth.