Plant Watering Guide

Here, we’ll tackle frequently asked questions about how to water carnivorous plants, aroids, and houseplants.

How do I water plants properly?

When watering your plant, the soil should be thoroughly soaked until water is rapidly draining from the bottom of the pot to ensure that all of the media has been saturated.

How often should I water my plants?

Frequency depends on the type of plant and growing conditions. Plants in semi-shaded, humid environments need much less watering than those in arid, full-sun conditions.

How do I know when my plants need water?

This depends on the type of plant, but we recommend watering most plants when the top inch of the soil is dry. You can stick your finger in the soil to determine this.

What kind of water should I use to water my plants?

Carnivorous plants require distilled, reverse osmosis or rainwater. Most common water filters like Brita do not work as the minerals still remain. Aroids and general houseplants can tolerate tap water.

What is overwatering?

Overwatering occurs when plants receive water too frequently, preventing proper drying between watering sessions. This prolonged dampness can lead to rot, posing a risk to plant health. Avoid overwatering; let your plants breathe.

What is underwatering?

Underwatering occurs when plants don’t receive enough water in a single session or are not being watered frequently enough. Ensure that your plant is being thoroughly watered by allowing excess water to drain from the bottom of the pot when watering.

What is top watering?

Top watering refers to the traditional method of watering plants by applying water directly to the soil surface from the top. Avoid watering the plant itself. Top watering is recommended for most plants including Nepenthes pitcher plants, aroids, and general houseplants.

What is tray watering?

Tray watering is a method of watering plants by allowing water to be absorbed from a tray or saucer placed beneath the plant container. Instead of watering the plant directly from the top, water is added to the tray, and the plant takes up water through the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot. Tray watering is recommended for bog plants (Venus flytraps, Drosera, Sarracenia) and Pinguicula. 

Need more information? See our growing tips and care guides.