Did you know- over-watering is the number one cause of damage, poor health and death of houseplants? There are probably a lot of reasons for this-
1. Plants get watered on a schedule, instead of as needed.
2. Plant is not absorbing water the way it should, so it looks thirsty, even if soil is water-logged.
3. The plant looks unhealthy, but needs something else, not water.
Keep in mind that in many cases, houseplants are dormant during winter months. They are in a resting state, and just don’t need as much water as when they are growing vigorously.
I want to mention a couple of products that can help your house plants look their best, and stay healthy all winter, while preventing over watering problems.
The first is SAFER Oxygen Plus Plant Food. This is a low dose fertilizer (analysis 1-2-1) that gives your plants a balanced feeding every time you water. Just 2 squirts per quart of water every time you water keeps plants healthy. But the big difference in this and other house plant foods is this: Safer Oxygen Plus releases oxygen into the soil around the roots, preventing them from being smothered. This keeps the roots healthy and gives them essential “breathing room” to absorb water, oxygen and nutrients. Don’t water until the pot feels light and soil is dry up to the first knuckle on your finger.
The second product I’d recommend is Bonide Leaf Shine. It’s not just for prettying up your potted plants, it protects them from excess moisture loss. Plants lose a lot of water through the leaves. Bonide Leaf Shine coats the leaves with a natural looking, shiny coating that seals in moisture. It can be used on any plant with smooth leaves, and will prevent excess water loss through the leaves. You may not be tempted to over-water if leaves look fresher and don’t have that dried-out look that the warm indoor air can cause.
So, to keep your potted plants looking and feeling their best all winter, water only when needed, add SAFER Oxygen Plus whenever you do water, and use Bonide Leaf Shine to keep leaves shiny and preserve their moisture.
Why do you think plants get over-watered? And how do you prevent it?
