The Thirsty and the Temperamental: Your Guide to Watering 20 Popular Houseplants
Introduction
Bringing greenery indoors can transform a living space, boosting mood, purifying air, and adding a touch of natural beauty. However, the joy of houseplants often comes with the challenge of keeping them alive and thriving. One of the most common pitfalls for new and experienced plant parents alike is improper watering. Too much water leads to root rot, a silent killer, while too little leaves plants parched and wilting. Understanding the specific needs of each plant is crucial, as a “one-size-fits-all” approach simply won’t work. This guide will walk you through the watering requirements for 20 of the most popular houseplants, helping you cultivate a thriving indoor jungle.
Watering Guidelines: How Often to Hydrate Your Green Companions
The “ingredients” for healthy houseplants are simple: light, appropriate soil, and water. Here’s a breakdown of how often to water 20 popular choices, with the understanding that these are general guidelines. Always check the soil moisture before watering.
The Thirsty Bunch (Water when the top inch of soil feels dry):
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum): Weekly, or when the top inch of soil is dry. They’re forgiving if you forget occasionally.
Philodendron (various species): Similar to pothos, water when the top inch of soil is dry, usually once a week.
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum): Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Typically 1-2 times a week.
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum): These are dramatic! They’ll tell you they’re thirsty by wilting, then perk right up after a good drink. Water when the top inch of soil is dry, about once a week.
Ferns (e.g., Boston Fern, Maidenhair Fern): High humidity lovers. Keep soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. May need watering every 2-3 days, especially in dry environments.
Calathea (various species): Keep soil consistently moist. Avoid letting them dry out completely. Often every 3-5 days. They appreciate humidity.
Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura): Similar to calatheas, keep the soil consistently moist but never soggy. Water every 3-5 days.
The Moderates (Water when the top 2-3 inches of soil are dry):
Monstera Deliciosa: Water when the top 2-3 inches of soil are dry, usually every 1-2 weeks.
ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia): Drought-tolerant. Water thoroughly, then allow the soil to dry out almost completely between waterings. Every 2-4 weeks. When in doubt, wait.
Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata): Extremely drought-tolerant. Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Every 2-4 weeks, or even less in winter. Overwatering is their enemy.
Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata): Can be a bit temperamental. Water when the top 2-3 inches of soil are dry. Usually once a week to every 10 days. Ensure good drainage.
Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica): Water when the top 2-3 inches of soil are dry. Typically every 1-2 weeks.
Aloe Vera: Succulent. Water deeply, then allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again. Every 2-4 weeks.
Jade Plant (Crassula ovata): Succulent. Water thoroughly, then let the soil dry out completely. Every 2-4 weeks.
Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema): Water when the top few inches of soil are dry. They don’t mind drying out a little between waterings. Every 1-2 weeks.
Dracaena (various species): Water when the top few inches of soil are dry. Sensitive to fluoride in tap water. Every 1-2 weeks.
The Less Frequent Drinkers (Water when soil is almost completely dry):
Succulents (General): This includes Echeveria, Haworthia, and most other small succulents. Water thoroughly, then allow the soil to dry out completely. Water less frequently in winter. Every 2-4 weeks.
Cactus (General): Similar to succulents, water thoroughly and then let the soil dry out completely. Even less frequent in winter. Every 3-6 weeks.
ADVERTISEMENT
