Potted plants require regular watering because of their restricted environment. The watering level for each potted plants are different according to their size and type of plant, pot and its location. If you are growing cactus or water loving bamboo, you need to allow the top 1/3 of the soil to dry slightly before watering. For general guide, measure the height of your pot and divide by 3. The top 2 inches should be dried in a 6-inch pot. For pots that are less than 6 inches, use a 1 inch guide. Here methods on how to water your potted plants the right way.
- Top watering
This is the most common way to water houseplants. Pour water onto the soil surface by using a watering can. Then, allow it to run through the pot until the water flows out of the drainage hole. A small amount of soluble salts that contain in the water that flows out of the drainage hole could injure your houseplants. Do not allow your plants to sit in this water to avoid salt injury to your plants. You can pour out the excess or set the pots on a layer of gravel. Avoid flooding the plant with water if you let your plants dry out and the soil has contracted away from the sides of the pot. By flooding, it will simply run down inside the wall of the pot and out. You should water over the plants in stages to allow the soil to rehydrate slowly. Continue watering in small increments until the soil ball has expanded. Focus the flow of water onto the soil, not the stems or the leaves when top watering. This step will avoid the spread of fungal diseases to your houseplants.
- Watering aids
There are watering aids available to help you if you can\’t water your plants as regularly as needed. For example, you can use water bulbs. Water bulbs are available in a variety of styles. Fill a bulb with water and then stuck the stake end into the soil. Usually, over a two week period, the water will drain into the soil slowly. However, if you are planning to leave your potted plants for an extended time, you can install an automatic system. The automatic system consists of a water-filled bucket which is placed near your plants and a system of watering tubes extended to your plants. The automatic watering system will provide water to your plants over a period of several weeks with a battery operated pump.
- Tray watering
It is much more convenient to water directly into the water collection tray if you are able to empty the drainage saucer easily to avoid salt buildup. If you want to water from the tray, pour water in the reservoir and wait around 20 minutes. Refill the saucer if the plant has absorbed all the water. Along the 20 minute wait, continue this process until the water remains in the tray. After the last watering, pour out any excess water that remains in the tray.
Additional Reading:
http://www.ehow.com/way_5272844_ways-water-potted-plants.html
Image Credit:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/dominicspics/2922763218/
