DENNIS PLANT GARDEN
Plant Care & Information
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Watering Your Plants
How, When and Where?
Photo Credit (C) Dennis Lee Brown 2017
WATERING PLANTS
How, When and Where
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Watering Houseplants
Water on earth occurs in three forms:
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As a vapor we see it as clouds, mist, and steam.
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As a fluid we see water as rain, in streams, lakes, dams, wetlands and the sea.
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As a solid we see water as ice in glaciers, hail, snow, and frost.
All waters types play part in the growth of plants and live.
Proper watering of houseplants is essential to their healthy growth, if plants do not receive water for a long period of time, it will surely die. The right amount of water, the kind of water, and how often to water is all too important to skip over when learning the basic needs of house-plant plant survival. When we say we are going to water out plants, do we consider what kind of water we are putting on the plants?
When we say we are going to water out plants, do we consider what kind of water we are putting on the plants? All plants require watering, but all H2O is not the same. As well not all plants require the same watering intervals, nor the same frequency, nor the same amount of water. When we say we are going to water out plants, do we consider what kind of water we are putting on the plants? All plants require watering, but all H2O is not the same. As well not all plants require the same watering intervals, nor the same frequency, nor the same amount of water.
All land plants need watering for their continued growth. But with so many different type of water, which kind of water does a specific plant thrive on? Plants that live outside rainfall waters. but indoor houseplants usually get tap water. To grow vigorous and robust plants, proper light, correct soil mixture and the right type of water are essential elements.
Rain and Spring Watering
Rainwater and bottled spring water are great at helping plants grow, tap water and distilled water may not hurt the plants, but you’ll notice they don’t grow as vigorous and robust as the plants nourished by rain and spring water. Spring water contains natural minerals which needed for optimal growth in plants. Using distilled water might not have any other effect than keeping the plant alive, due to the nature of the water itself. If you preferred distilled water, increase the nutrient value by adding a premium quality water soluble plant food and Epsom salt according to the manufactures’ instruction.
Watering Factors
Let use consider several factors when watering our plants. Here are just a few:
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The plants natural growing environment
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The plants water needs (requirements)
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In-ground plants and plants growing in container (various pots)
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The soil in which the plant is growing i.e. sandy, clay bases,
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Sandy
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Clay based
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Pete Moss Based
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Rocky Soil
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Dose plant require bottom (root) watering or top (water from pouring water over the leaves?
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The kind of container the plant lives within
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Is the plant growing indoors or outdoors, as well as what kind of container and soils used?
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The time of the season Indoor/out-door temperature
Potted plants tend to dry out more quickly than their in-ground counterparts. The small soil space and the construction of the pot mean the container stores very little moisture.
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Rainwater tends to be way purer than tap, well, or city water, do not water plants with softened water, as it contains an excessively large amounts of sodium (Salt) which can harm plants. Excessive salt in the soil prevents the roots from absorbing water. Given that sodium is a main component of salt, and high levels of salt are extremely damaging to your plants and its’ soil. Softened water, as time passes, sodium in the water (soften water) may bring an adverse negative affect on your plants when used for a long-term. Also, over time, this may spoil your houseplants soil and root system.
Routinely watering your plants with softened water can be bad, because large amounts of sodium are often present in softened water, therefore, I recommended, “do not water plants with softened water”.
Adding sugar or salt to plants especially roses- will allow them to grow faster and bigger. DO NOT ADD SUGAR OR SALT – This is an interference on the plants growth and you will not reap any positive outcome – in many cases it causes root rot.
EPSOM SALT
Magnesium Sulfate
Using Epsom salt to grow plants faster – it is a better bet than using ordinary table salt or refined sugar. There are relevant reasons for using Epsom salts for plants. Epsom salt helps improve flower blooming and enhances a plant's green color if the leaf turns yellow. It can even help plants grow bushier. Epsom salt, made up of hydrated magnesium sulfate (magnesium and sulfur), which is important to healthy plant growth. So, sprinkle Epsom salt where ever you are growing plants in ground as well as in containers. Yellowing houseplant leaves, may be suffering from a sulfate deficiency. If the leaves are turning yellow but the veins in the leaves remain green, your plant may have a magnesium deficiency. Epsom salts, a natural source of both minerals, can help protect plants against such deficiencies, resulting in lusher foliage, increased chlorophyll production and a healthier, more beautiful houseplant. But as a safety precaution, keep the salts out of the reach of children and away from pets.
Epsom Salt - some plant require extra magnesium sulfate to flourish
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