Just dip your index finger into the soil near the stem of your plant up to about your first knuckle. If the soil feels dry and your finger comes out clean, then it's probably time for some water.
The Finger Dip Test:
Push your finger into the soil up to your second knuckle. If the soil is moist it will stick to your finger and your plant is okay on the water front. If the soil is dry your finger will come out clean and it is time to water your indoor plants.
Use the finger test or a moisture meter to check the soil. Pull back the mulch and stick your fingers an inch or two into the soil – if they come up clean, it's time to water.
The Answer to Perfect Watering Is At Your Fingertips
When you buy a plant, get in the habit of checking the soil with your finger before watering. A pot 4 to 6 inches in diameter should dry out about an inch down before you water. An 8 or 10-inch pot should dry out at least 2 to 3 inches down.
Feel the Soil: The simplest way to gauge your plant's watering needs is by feeling the soil. Turns out that old trick of sticking your finger into the soil up to the knuckle has merit! If it's soggy or has standing water, you're overwatering. If it's dry an inch below the surface, it's time to water.
Knowing when your plants need water is key to keeping them healthy. 🌿💧 Check the soil moisture by sticking your finger about an inch deep; if it feels dry, it's time to water. 🌱 Wilting leaves can also indicate thirst, but be careful—some plants wilt from too much water too.
Chlorine and fluoride
If desired, to remove chlorine from tap water let it sit in an open-top bucket for 24 hours to allow the chlorine to evaporate before using it to water plants. This also allows the water to warm to room temperature.
The best way to tell if your plants need water is to stick your finger about an inch into the potting mix—if it feels dry, break out the watering can. If you detect dampness, check back again in a day or two. For smaller houseplants, you can also pick up the whole container. If it feels light for its size, add water.
Test by squeezing a handful of soil together. Open your hand out giving it a small shake as you do. If the soil mostly holds together and a few crumbs fall away then it's perfectly moist. If it holds its shape and you can infact shape it into something – way too wet.
Add half a cup of water, and mix. Then, add 1/2 cup of baking soda. If the soil bubbles or fizzes, the soil is highly acidic. The reaction you're seeing is the result of acidic soil coming into contact with an alkaline substance (baking soda).
For most plants it's ok/good to allow the top couple inches of soil to dry out completely before watering again. When you do water, make sure the water is really soaking down to the roots.
3 seconds without hope (survival mindset) 3 minutes without breathing (asphyxiation, severe blood loss) 3 hours without shelter in an extreme environment (exposure) 3 days without water (dehydration)
Drip System
Drip irrigation is the most water-efficient way to irrigate many different plantings.
Avoid creating a routine of watering at the same time every day or every week. Instead, get in the habit of paying attention to the soil and the weather so you can water when the plants really need it. Containers need frequent watering.
Although most people fill their watering cans with tap water, that may not be the best type to keep your plants healthy. Instead, homeowners should use rain, well or even bottled water. Why? It has to do with what's in the water – rain, well and bottled water are the purest options.
Morning watering is actually preferable to evening watering as the plant has time to dry before the sun goes down. At night, water tends to rest in the soil, around the roots, and on the foliage, which encourages rot, fungal growth, and insects.
Plants with long, narrow foliage such as Spider Plant, Peace Lily, Dracaena, and Prayer Plant can be negatively affected by tap water high in fluoride. Plants also prefer their water at a pH level between 5.0 and 7.0.
Just dip your index finger into the soil near the stem of your plant up to about your first knuckle. If the soil feels dry and your finger comes out clean, then it's probably time for some water.
The most obvious signs of waterlogged soil is an increased wetness and a soggy texture. Having large puddles on the surface is another indication that the soil is waterlogged. However, if there is consistent rainfall in your area, it can be hard to identify whether your garden has overwatering issues.
It is defined as the pressure exerted by a column of water of 1 inch in height at defined conditions. At a temperature of 4 °C (39.2 °F) pure water has its highest density (1000 kg/m3). At that temperature and assuming the standard acceleration of gravity, 1 inAq is approximately 249.082 pascals (0.0361263 psi).