Repeat after me: less is more. I know it’s tempting to want to show your plants some extra love by getting out the watering can…but did you know overwatering is the most common way to kill your houseplants? So before you water, look for the following signs and you might just end up putting your watering can away.
Wet soil, wilting leaves
If the soil is wet, but your plant’s leaves are wilting, you might be overwatering. To prevent this mistake again, only water your plants when the soil is dry to the touch. Feel your plant’s potting mix a few inches deep. If it feels moist or wet, it is most likely overwatered. Wait until the soil feels dry and you’re good to give your plant a drink.
Brown or Yellowing Leaves
If you’re seeing brown, wilted leaves there’s a strong possibility you’re overwatering your plant. The lower leaves may also start to turn yellow and you might even see a blackening at the base of the plant. The last stage might be mushy stems and it could signal the beginning of the end, so try and observe brown or yellow leaves before it is too late.
Edema
The third sign to watch out for is edema. When a plant has absorbed more water than it needs, it can cause the plant’s cells to expand and stress. Often, these cells are filled to the point of rupturing. You can check for signs of burst cells by noticing any blisters or lesions on the plant. Eventually, these lesions will turn to dark or even white scar tissue. So put that watering can away!
Root Rot
Beware of the dreaded root rot! When the soil is dense with water, it can limit the ability of the roots to breathe, they will then drown and begin to rot. Plant root rot is a fungal disease that will cause the roots to turn grey, brown or slimy and will eventually cause the plant to wilt. If your plant has root rot, it’s best to repot the plant in fresh soil in an attempt to save it.
Fungus Gnats
If fungus gnats show up in your home, there’s a good chance you’re overwatering. They feed on the fungi present in moist environments.
If you’re worried that you overwater, a helpful tip is to choose plants that require more water. Some examples are: Peace Lilies, Boston Ferns, Pitcher Plants or Elephant Ears. Worried you’ll forget to water at all? Choose Succulents, Sacti or Snake Plants instead.
Save yourself the stress of over-watering and memorize this one tip: give your plants water only when the potting mix is dry. But always make sure they have enough light and warmth too. This is key for them to dry out efficiently post-watering. And since overwatering is much more common in containers that don’t have drainage, consider planters that have drainage holes or add rocks to the bottom of your planters to keep your plants safe.