Houseplants not only add beauty to our spaces but also contribute to our well-being. Understanding the specific watering needs of each plant is key to keeping them healthy and thriving. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how often to water 20 popular houseplants:
- Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
Water every 2-6 weeks
Snake Plants thrive on neglect and prefer their soil to dry out completely between waterings. Overwatering can cause root rot. - Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Water every 1-2 weeks
Keep the soil lightly moist but allow it to dry out slightly between waterings. - Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Water every 1-2 weeks
Pothos prefer the soil to dry out between watering but can tolerate some underwatering. - Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum spp.)
Water every 1 week
Peace Lilies like consistently moist soil. They will droop when they need water. - Monstera (Monstera deliciosa)
Water every 1-2 weeks
Allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering. Monsteras prefer slightly moist conditions. - ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
Water every 2-3 weeks
ZZ Plants store moisture in their rhizomes and prefer to dry out between waterings. - Aloe Vera
Water every 3 weeks
Aloe Vera requires infrequent watering and should only be watered when the soil is completely dry. - Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
Water every 1-2 weeks
Rubber Plants prefer the top inch of soil to dry out before watering. - Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
Water every 2-3 days
Boston Ferns like constantly moist soil, but ensure it is well-drained to avoid root rot. - Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)
Water every 2-3 weeks
Jade Plants store water in their leaves and prefer less frequent watering. - Philodendron
Water every 1-2 weeks
Philodendrons like their soil to dry slightly before watering, but don’t let them dry out completely. - English Ivy (Hedera helix)
Water every 1-2 weeks
Ivy plants prefer moist soil but should not be overwatered. Let the top layer dry out between waterings. - Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata)
Water every 1 week
Fiddle Leaf Figs like consistently moist soil and should not dry out completely. - African Violet (Saintpaulia)
Water every 1 week
African Violets need even moisture. Water when the top of the soil feels slightly dry. - Calathea
Water every 1 week
Calatheas prefer consistently moist soil but are sensitive to water quality, using distilled or rainwater is ideal. - Dracaena
Water every 2-4 weeks
Dracaenas do well when their soil is allowed to dry out partially between watering. - Orchids (Phalaenopsis)
Water every 1 week
Orchids require watering when their potting medium feels dry. Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot. - Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana)
Water every 1-2 weeks
Lucky Bamboo grows in water, but make sure the roots are submerged and change the water every two weeks. - Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
Water every 1-2 weeks
Chinese Evergreens like to dry out a little between waterings but shouldn’t stay dry for long. - Bromeliads
Water every 1-2 weeks
Bromeliads prefer the soil to dry slightly between waterings, but their central cup should always have some water.
By following these specific watering guidelines, you can keep your houseplants healthy and thriving. Avoid common issues like overwatering or underwatering, and your plants will reward you with vibrant growth. Happy gardening!