How not to overwater your houseplants in winter: expert advice

What could be so complicated about watering houseplants? You just need to add a small amount of water to the soil from time to time.

The principle is generally correct, but experienced plant owners will tell you that there are many small nuances to consider for truly high-quality care. And in winter, they become even more important, because due to the cool and humid weather, coupled with the short daylight hours, the water from the pot evaporates more slowly. That's why OBOZ.UA has collected tips on how to properly water indoor flowers in the winter season to avoid overwatering the plants.

Consider the needs of your plants

Depending on the species, different flowers require different frequency and intensity of watering. For example, succulents such as cacti, sansevierias, zamioculcas, or crassulas can easily tolerate even prolonged drought. However, tropical species with decorative foliage can even die as a result. Therefore, gather information about each species in your collection and work out the right watering schedule for it.

Learn how to water your flowers properly

We usually water our plants by adding water directly to the pot on the surface of the soil, and then it absorbs it completely. For the most part, this is the correct method. But, for example, it is better to water Saintpaulias through a tray so as not to soak the delicate leaves, which can rot. Orchids, on the other hand, are better suited for soaking.

Check the soil moisture

The moisture content of the substrate in the pot is the best indicator of whether it is time to water the flower again. You can check it quite simply:

• stick your finger, an ice cream cone or a ruler about 5 cm into the soil - if soil crumbs stick to the tool, you can most likely postpone watering a little longer;
• check the weight of the pot - if it is noticeably lighter, it means that the water has evaporated from it and it is time to water the flower;
• buy a soil moisture meter - such a device is easy to find in garden centers and specialty stores, and it will tell you when your plants need watering.

Consider seasonal changes

The need for watering will vary depending on the season. In summer, when the plant is in the active growth stage, it can obviously consume more water. In winter, however, the flowers are resting, so they need less moisture. However, if you have radiators that heat up a lot, this will dry out the soil faster, and in addition, there will be a need for additional humidification of the air near the pots.

Choose the right size pots

The size of the vessel in which the plant lives should be proportional to its size. When the pot is too large, the risk of overflow increases, because the small root system will not have time to "drink" all the moisture from the ground. This can eventually lead to root rot. Therefore, never buy pots for your plants to grow in, but rather transplant them into larger containers as they grow.

Ensure proper drainage

In addition to water, roots also need oxygen. And too much moisture in the soil further impedes access to air because it becomes too dense. Therefore, always place a layer of drainage (expanded clay, small pebbles, crushed bricks, etc.) on the bottom of the pot and prefer vessels with drainage holes in the bottom that allow excess water to drain into the pan.

Choose the right soil

Substrate requirements can vary depending on the plant. For example, succulents need light soils that do not retain moisture. They should contain a lot of sand. Orchids grow in a poor substrate, which mostly consists of dry bark particles. Flowering and decorative foliage species require nutritious soil types. It is also important to loosen the soil in the pot regularly to allow better air and water permeability, and to repot the plant from time to time in fresh soil.

Know the signs of overwatering

All experts agree: if you see your plant's leaves turning yellow, especially near the top, make sure it's not due to overwatering. Other potential signs of excessive moisture include the appearance of gnats at the base of the plant, as well as an unpleasant odor that could be a sign of decay.

If you think your plant is a victim of overwatering, the first thing to do is to stop giving it water until the soil dries out. Also, check if the roots in the pot have started to rot and cut off any damaged parts. Then repot the flower in fresh soil. This way it will definitely recover and regain its spectacular lush appearance.

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