You’ve just brought home a beautiful new houseplant, excited to add some greenery to your space. But after a few weeks, you’re unsure if you’re watering it too much or too little. This article will demystify how often to water common houseplants and help you keep them healthy and thriving.
Table of Contents
How Often To Water Common Houseplants
Spider Plant
When considering a spider plant, water it once every 7-10 days. It prefers to slightly dry out between waterings. Be cautious of over-watering, as it may lead to root rot.
Snake Plant
The snake plant is drought-tolerant and does not need frequent watering. Water it every 2-3 weeks, allowing the soil to dry out fully between waterings.
Peace Lily
For peace lilies, water once a week. They benefit from slightly moist soil. If the leaves start to yellow, reduce the frequency of watering.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera plants prefer to be dry; water them every 2-3 weeks. Ensure the top two inches of soil are dry before watering to avoid over-hydration.
Jade Plant
Jade plants need to be watered only when the soil is completely dry, typically every 2-3 weeks. They store water in their leaves, so be mindful not to over-water.
Pothos
Pothos thrive with weekly watering, allowing the top inch of soil to dry between waterings. Yellow leaves indicate over-watering, while brown tips on leaves signal under-watering.
Philodendron
Water your philodendron once a week, ensuring the top one inch of soil is dry before watering. Be aware of yellowing leaves, which indicate over-watering.
Fiddle Leaf Fig
Fiddle leaf figs require consistent watering every 1-2 weeks. If possible, use filtered or rainwater because these plants can be sensitive to tap water.
Boston Fern
Boston ferns enjoy moist soil and should be watered about twice a week. Maintain humidity around the plant by placing it on a tray of pebbles with water.
ZZ Plant
ZZ plants do not need frequent watering. Water them every 2-4 weeks, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Rubber Plant
Rubber plants should be watered every 7-10 days, ensuring that the top inch of soil dries out between waterings.
English Ivy
English ivy thrives on moist soil. Water it weekly, but avoid soggy conditions as this might cause root rot.
Calathea
Calathea plants need damp soil, so water them every 1-2 weeks. Use filtered or rainwater, as they are sensitive to tap water.
Dracaena
Dracaena plants prefer to slightly dry out between waterings. Water them every 7-10 days, ensuring the top inch of soil is dry before watering.
Orchid
Orchids need to be watered every 7-10 days during their growing season and every 2-3 weeks during dormancy. Over-watering can lead to root rot.
Monstera Deliciosa
Water your monstera deliciosa once a week, allowing the top 1-2 inches of soil to dry before watering. Yellow leaves indicate over-watering.
Begonia
Begonias require damp soil, so water them every 1-2 weeks. However, make sure the soil isn’t soggy to prevent root rot.
Ficus
Ficus plants should be watered every 7-10 days. Wait until the top two inches of soil are dry before watering to avoid over-hydration.
African Violet
African violets prefer consistent moisture and should be watered every 1-2 weeks. Water from the bottom to avoid getting the leaves wet.
Cactus
Cacti are drought-tolerant plants and only need watering every 3-4 weeks. To prevent root rot, allow the soil to completely dry out between waterings.
