If you have indoor plants, or you’re on the fence about getting a houseplant – this is for you. Maybe you have a hard time watering them, or keeping them alive. I think after reading how to bottom water indoor plants, you might be able to say, I can do this!
Also, I have A Beginners Guide to Houseplants post that should help as well!
Let’s start with some basics. For the most part, to keep your plants alive you need the correct amount of sun and the correct watering routine. For the sun, almost all plants typically like indirect sunlight – which means next to a bright window but no direct beam of sun on them. Sure, you can talk about fertilizer, repotting them, humidity levels, wiping down the leaves and other tips – but let’s just stick with the basics right now.
I’d like to start out by saying that everyone is going to have an opinion on how to take care of your plants. They’re just like kids. But this particular way of watering your plants seems to be pretty universally liked. Plus, I learned it from actual plant experts and have been doing it for a couple of years now, resulting in happy, healthy plants. I mean look at all of them!
Here’s the Instagram video on how to.
How to Bottom Water Indoor Plants
So why bottom water? Basically, you’re giving the plant the freedom to soak up as much water as it needs. I know that kind of seems like your plant is about to come alive, but it’s true. By exposing the roots and letting it sit, preferably, overnight. You’ve let the plant drink as much water as it needs until it dries out again. This prevents the dreaded over-watering situation.
Drainage Holes
First thing is first. All the pots need to have drainage holes. This only works if the drainage holes are at the bottom and can be covered with the water, allowing the soil and roots to soak up all the water. If they don’t drainage holes, but a new pot. It’s basically a breathing tube for the roots. If your plants aren’t breathing and you’re not letting excess water escape from the plant, then typically root rot begins and now you’ve killed your plant. No one, not even you, can just sit in water without shriveling up.
If you love a good decorative plant holder that’s fine. Either look for one with drainage holes, or buy a larger one. That’s what I typically do. The plant will be potted in the original, basic planter it came in, and then I’ll pop that into the larger, decorative container. And just like that, everyone wins. See that below? The pilea is in it’s original container and it’s been plopped into a larger, nicer container. Thanks IKEA.
Let’s Water
How do you know they need water? This depends on what your plant needs – so google it. However, most indoor plant like to be thoroughly dried before watering again. So take your finger, push it down a little past your fingernail and if the soil is dry, it’s time to water!
A quick note. Sometimes you’ll need to water more or less frequently, depending on the season. So don’t think, oh it seems to need water every week in the summer so let’s stick to that routine. Don’t. Once winter comes around, you’ll need to water less.
Let’s water! You’ll need something to put your plants in when watering – I like to use cookie sheets. They’re wide and have just enough room for my plants and the water. You’ll fill the sheet with about an inch of water. If you don’t have a cookie sheet lots of people use their sink or their bathtub too.
I like to put all my plants on a cookie sheet and water them all at once. Depending on how long your plant has been dry, you might to refill the water a couple of times.
I like to start watering around the evening time so I can keep an eye on the water levels to see if it needs to be refilled. Then right before bed, I refill the cookie sheet with water, and let them soak overnight. This way I’ve given them plenty of time to soak up water, and in the morning – they’ll be done. They only soak up what you need, so don’t worry about over watering here.
How to Tell When They’re Good
You can tell they’ve thoroughly soaked up enough water because the tops of the soil will be wet, and darker. That’s because your plants to be thoroughly soaked through at this point. Not kind of watered but fully loaded up with water.
Resist the urge to throw random bits of water at them in between waterings. It’s not helpful. Just stick to your bottom watering plant routine and your plants will be happy.
Need to know what plants to get for your home? Check out my beginners guide to houseplant. And you can always follow my plant adventures on Instagram!
