April Showers Bring May Flowers: Watering Tips for Plants
The weather is FINALLY getting warmer here in the triangle and we’re so excited for the summer ahead. In the meantime though, we’re loving April, EARTH MONTH, and the afternoon showers this time of year often brings. With the changing temperatures, though, comes different watering requirements for your plants.
Of course succulents have a special place in our heart around here, but what about other plants that need water on a more regular schedule?
Here’s a few tips for watering this Spring:
Drooping Leaves: Frankly, like people, plants will get a little droopy when dehydrated! This is our easiest tip on this mini list…it only requires that you pay attention to your plants appearance. If your plant’s leaves are looking down and a bit sad, they’re probably thirsty! Drooping leaves are an especially apparent sign of dehydration in Pothos, Arrowhead Vines, and Coffee Plants. Just a small amount of water should perk them right back up!
Fingertip Test: A very advanced method we use around here (just kidding!) is lovingly known as the fingertip test! Simply stick your finger into the plant’s soil, to your first knuckle or so. If it’s dry when you remove it, water the plant! This little test is effective for plants that need regular watering, but not so much for ones that can rely on water stores deeper in their soil. Careful not to overwater if they’re looking healthy otherwise.
Moisture Meter: If you’d truly like to get a bit more scientific with it, you can purchase a moisture meter (like this one!) to get a more accurate reading of the moister level in your plant’s soil. While we don’t think it’s super necessary for most plants, it’s helpful for more finicky plants like the Fiddle Leaf Fig.
A Note on Watering Succulents:
Luckily, succulents need very little water! But “very little” doesn’t mean none. We love watering succulents from the bottom because it gives them stronger roots! How does it work? Well, by watering from the bottom, like the methods used in big industrial greenhouses, the succulents are forced to “reach down” for the water…and thus get stronger over time!
Simply take the black plastic pot that actually contains the soil out of the clay pot (or whatever other material you’re using) and set it to the side. Put about an inch of water directly into the main pot that houses your succulent, then put the black plastic part (containing the succulent) and drainage holes back inside. The plant will then soak up the water from the bottom and grow even stronger than before!
During the Spring and Summer months, most succulents will only need to be watered once every 2-3 weeks.
What are you excited to grow this Spring? And how do you feel about WATERING schedules for different plants? We want to know!
