Irrigation is one of the most important points in the care of each plant and, therefore, special attention should always be paid to it. Without adequate irrigation, no plant can develop well and, although each one has irrigation needs that can be very different, it is important to take into account some points that are common to most plant species.
If you want to learn some tips about when to water the plants To find out if they need water or not, join us in this EcologíaVerde article.
When to water plants – basic guide
Are you wondering how often to water the plants? Keep in mind that the water needs of each plant are different, as well as when we talk about irrigation, it can be as harmful for the plant to fall short as to exceed it.
The species of plants more resistant to drought, like succulent plants and those in dry areas, tend to withstand excess moisture quite poorly. If you water them too much and flood their substrate, it is very likely that they will be attacked by fungi or their roots will rot and the plant may even end up dying.
Likewise, the bulbs, in general, do not tolerate excess watering once they have formed the underground bulb itself and too high humidity will damage them.
Other plants, on the other hand, do not tolerate humidity in their leaves, and must be irrigated by dripping or with the method of a saucer full of water under the pot to prevent fungi from settling on their leaves.
And at the opposite pole we find many species of tropical plantswhich require constant humidity, both in the soil and in the environment, in order to develop properly and flourish. In this type of plants, it is important to maintain adequate levels of humidity in their substrate, and water whenever we notice that the surface layer of the substrate has dried out excessively.
There is no golden rule that works for all species, but in general you should always avoid waterlogging regardless of the type of plant and its specific needs. Even the species that require more humidity and constant watering tend to prefer a soil with very good drainage in the pots and on the ground to maintain a moist substrate, but never waterlogged.
How to know when plants need water
Pay attention to your plants on a daily basis and, in this way, you will be able to observe the visible signals that they themselves give when they need more or less water. keep these in mind factors to know if plants need water and you have to water them or not:
- For example, if in winter your chamomiles needed to be watered every 15 days, with the arrival of the hot months it is certain that they will need more water. Most plants spend the cold months in a vegetative state requiring much less moisture and nutrients, but this process is reversed in the spring and summer months.
- If the edges of the leaves turn yellow or you see the petals of its flowers dry prematurely, it is likely that the plant needs a greater supply of water or that it needs more shade.
- Another detail you can look at is the substrate itself. Except for the most drought-resistant species, most plants should be watered when the top layer (up to 2-3 cm deep) of the substrate appears dry and brittle.
- If, on the other hand, your plant seems to lose strength in its stems, which fall languidly, or some of its leaves or parts show dark spots due to fungal attack or rot, the plant is probably supporting excessive humidity levels. In such a case, water it less and put it in the sun.
Common mistakes when watering plants
There are some very common failures or mistakes in watering plants. The most common of them, especially among those less experienced in gardening and horticulture, is the overwater. As we have already said, there are signs to see when a plant is being watered too much and you have to think that flooding its pot will hardly do it any good.
Another common mistake is trying water the plants on vacation by flooding them before leaving. This will only weaken the plant while the excess moisture lasts, leaving it sensitive to drought once the water evaporates. The best thing to do in these cases is to use homemade drip irrigation systems, such as those that can be made with a simple container of water and several cords. Here we tell you more about How to water plants on vacation.
It is also a common mistake to water all the plants with the technique of sprinkle water on its leaves and flowers. While there are species that require this practice in some climates, others do not tolerate it well at all, so it is vital to be well informed about what type of irrigation each plant that we have at home needs.
Finally, there is the tray irrigation system under the pot. It is true that some certain species, in which it is convenient to keep humidity away from the upper part of the plant, benefit from this system. But in others it happens just the opposite, and the roots are especially sensitive to humidity. Do not practice this way immersion irrigation without informing you beforehand if it suits that particular plant.
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