How Much Water Do Plants Need? Learn the Signs to Tell if You are Over-Watering or Under-Watering

Whether you’re growing houseplants or tending to a garden, knowing how much water do plants need is crucial. Every plant has its own water needs, and sometimes it can be hard to keep track of who needs daily watering and who likes to stay dry. And since both over-watering and under-watering can lead to serious problems, stunting your plant’s growth and even killing them if you can’t figure out the problem fast enough, it’s really important to make sure you’re getting it right. The good news is, it’s pretty easy to tell if your plants are getting the right amount of water, as long as you know the signs of underwatering vs. overwatering – let’s take a look!

Signs of Over-Watering Plants

Over-watering is one of the most common mistakes in the garden, and I’m very guilty of it.  I’m always worried my plants aren’t getting enough water, even when they’re drought-tolerant plants, but I’ve learned my lesson. Too much water suffocates a plant’s roots and causes them to rot.  When the roots rot, your plants can’t absorb the nutrients they need – and then they die. Plus, it’s a waste of water! So, how do we know if our plants are getting too much water? Look out for these signs:

Yellowing Leaves

One of the first signs of over-watering plants is yellowing leaves, especially on the lower part of the plant. Yellow leaves can sometimes be caused by other issues like nutrient deficiencies, but if you’re watering regularly and the leaves are turning yellow, over-watering is likely the cause.

Wilting Despite Moist Soil

It might be surprising, but a plant can wilt even when it has too much water. This happens because the roots are waterlogged and can’t take in the oxygen they need. So, if your plant’s leaves are wilting and the soil feels wet, over-watering is definitely the issue.

Root Rot

Root rot is not good news for a plant.  This means it has been severely over-watered, and it’s pretty tough for the plant to recover. You’ll know you’re dealing with root rot when you see soft or mushy brown or black roots. It can have a pretty nasty smell too. If you suspect root rot, stop watering your plants immediately and remove the affected roots in hopes that it will save the plant.

Soggy Soil and Fungus Growth

If the top few inches of soil never dry out between waterings, you’re likely giving your plant more water than it needs. Overly damp conditions create the perfect environment for fungus growth, including mold, on the soil surface or around the plant base. Fungal issues are a giant red flag that your plant is getting too much water.

Signs of Under-Watering Plants

Plants are so tricky – too much water can harm plants, but so can not enough water. When plants don’t get enough water, they can’t distribute nutrients or perform essential functions like photosynthesis. Here are the main signs your plants aren’t getting enough water.

Dry, Crispy Leaves

One of the most obvious signs that your plants aren’t getting enough water is crispy leaves. When a plant isn’t getting enough water, it pulls moisture from its leaves to conserve resources. This causes the edges of the leaves to dry out and turn brown. In extreme cases, entire leaves may become brittle and fall off.

Slow Growth

Plants need water to grow, so one way to know if your plant needs more water is if they aren’t growing or growing really slowly. If your plants seem to be staying the same size for weeks on end, it could be a sign that they aren’t getting enough water. Not enough water reduces the plant’s ability to absorb nutrients, further slowing its development.

Wilting in Dry Soil

Yes – I did say that wilting could mean your plant is getting too much water, but it could also mean it’s not getting enough water. Like I said, plants are tricky. The way to tell the difference is by feeling the soil. If the soil is dry, then your plant needs more water.

Leaf Curling

If you notice the edges of the leaves curling inward, your plant is in survival mode and trying to limit evaporation. Leaf curling happens when a plant tries to save water by reducing its surface area. While some plants naturally have curling leaves in dry conditions, in most cases, this is a sign that your plant needs water.

Soil Pulling Away from the Edges of Pots or Beds

When soil becomes extremely dry, it shrinks and pulls away from the edges of pots or garden beds. This leaves visible gaps between the soil and container walls. When you water, the water may run straight through the gaps without being absorbed, making the problem worse. If you see this happening, give your plant a good soak right away.

How to Avoid Watering Mistakes

So much of gardening is just trial and error, so there’s not a super easy way to tell you how much water do plants need. But, spending time observing your plants in the garden or indoors will help you see what’s working and what isn’t. But there are some things you can do to make sure your plants are getting the right amount of water. Here are some ideas:

Check Soil Moisture at Least Twice a Week

Get yourself an easy-to-use moisture meter for gardening. This tool will tell you how moist your soil is and help you decide if your plants need more or less water. At the very least, you can stick your finger in the soil to feel for excess moisture. The top inch or two should be dry before you water your plants again. If the soil feels moist at that depth, hold off on watering.

Water in the Morning

Watering early in the day during the hot summer months allows plants to absorb moisture before the sun’s heat causes evaporation. This gives your plants the hydration they need to survive the heat while also preventing issues like root rot that can occur if plants remain wet overnight.

Use Mulch

Mulch helps retain soil moisture by reducing evaporation, which keeps your plants hydrated longer. Mulch also helps regulate soil temperature and prevents weeds.

Adjust Your Watering Amount Depending on the Season

Always adjust your watering habits based on your climate and the time of year. During the hot, dry summer, plants will need more frequent watering. During the winter, they don’t need as much. If your has an exceptionally humid couple of days, you can reduce the frequency as well.

It’s Okay To Make Mistakes In Your Garden

When I first started gardening, I didn’t put much thought into how much water do plants need – but it’s really important, and it’s easy to do it wrong. You can adjust your watering routine to meet your plant’s needs by recognizing the signs of over-watering and under-watering. You’ll see stronger, healthier growth with the right care, and your plants will be better equipped to handle environmental stresses, allowing your garden to thrive!

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