Plants like epiphytes, succulents, Snake plants, Calathea, Aloe, more mature Maranta, Sedums, Kalanchoe, Begonias, African violets, and Pothos have shallow roots. If you prefer to bottom water these types, keep them in shallow containers so the wicking action can reach their roots or else supplement with top watering.
The short answer is yes; all types of plants can do well with bottom watering as long as they are potted in the proper soil that will readily absorb and release water. However, from our anecdotal evidence, some individual plants seem to prefer top watering for no reason at all.
Plants will soak up the water through the bottom of the pot just as long as there is a drainage hole and the soil is not too compacted. However, as I mentioned above, there are some plants that won't do well with bottom watering because they are extra sensitive to salt and mineral build up.
Bottom watering prevents accidental leaf splashes or water retention. Some plants won't respond well to this method if they have sensitive roots and can't tolerate higher levels of salt and mineral buildup. This is the main issue with bottom watering, as the soil doesn't have a way to dispose of these materials.
All you need to do is set the potted plant (be sure it has drainage holes) into the bathtub, sink, or another container that's filled with a couple inches of water. After 15 to 20 minutes, the plant will have absorbed the exact amount it needs—never too little or too much.
Some houseplant owners prefer bottom watering. This is an alternate method that involves placing the pot in a flat-bottomed tray of water. Once you set it down, wait for it to soak up through the soil. Once the surface is damp, you can take your Pothos out of the water.
He recommends: 'Using a mixture of bottom watering for every day with top watering to wash away the build-up of salts and minerals will keep your plants healthy, strong and well-watered. ' The build-up of salts should be dealt with every couple of months by watering from above.
Check the plant every 10 minutes or so until the top of the soil just starts to feel damp. Then let the plant drain thoroughly. Bottom watering is great to do at least every once in a while to make sure the bottom half of the root ball is hydrated!
Bottom watering doesn't flood the soil surface, so the topsoil tends to dry out faster using this method. It would be better not to allow water to penetrate all the way to the surface; but, even so, bottom watering will still help reduce your gnat population.
These plants are prime candidates for bottom watering: Plants with hairy or fuzzy leaves, such as African violets, or plants that don't like getting their leaves wet, such as snake plants, Philodendron verrucosum, and P. micans.
When plants have too little water, leaves turn brown and wilt. This also occurs when plants have too much water. The biggest difference between the two is that too little water will result in your plant's leaves feeling dry and crispy to the touch while too much water results in soft and limp leaves.
How to Use Pots with No Drainage Holes. Some experts suggest using a layer of pebbles as a sort of drainage layer in those pots without drainage holes. This technique allows excess water to flow into the space with the pebbles, away from the soil and, therefore, the roots of your plant.
The most common mistake that well-meaning plant parents make is overwatering, which can cause root rot that will ultimately kill your plant. Root rot comes from a pathogen that thrives in a consistently moist environment; if soil is left soggy for too long, the once-dormant pathogen activates and attacks the roots.
You can water your spider plant while you water the rest of your houseplants. Spider plants do not require additional watering or much special attention to their moisture levels. Try to water your spider plant about once a week. Letting the soil dry out a little between waterings is a good idea.
Your Snake Plant only needs to be watered fortnightly, allowing its soil to completely dry out between waterings to prevent overwatering and root rot. During the winter months feel free to only water your snake plant once a month if the soil is still moist after 2 weeks.
– Most houseplants prefer warm or tepid water over cold water, which can shock your plant. Warm water absorbs into soil best. – Some houseplants are sensitive to tap water. Let water sit overnight for chlorine to dissipate before using.
DON'T water too frequently—or not frequently enough.
Instead, opt for a less frequent watering routine that thoroughly saturates the soil. This method encourages the plants' roots to reach deeply for residual water, even when the surface of the soil appears dry.
Drip irrigation is the most water-efficient way to irrigate many different plantings. It is an ideal way to water in clay soils because the water is applied slowly, allowing the soil to absorb the water and avoid runoff. Drip devices use a fraction of the water that overhead spray devices use.
Do you water aloe vera plants from top or bottom? Water your aloe vera plant from the bottom so water can reach the roots, pouring slowly yet consistently. If the water hasn't yet emerged through the plant's drainage holes, keep going until that happens.
QUESTION: Should you be bottom watering terracotta pots? ANSWER: Yes, you should absolutely use the bottom-watering technique with terracotta pots. It is an effective way to retain a consistent moisture level in your potting mix.
Bottom Watering A Cactus
The only time I would do this is if your plant is severely dehydrated, and the soil will not absorb any moisture when you pour it over the top. Be sure to only leave it soaking long enough for the medium to become moist half way up, and never until it's soggy.