How Often Should You Water Your Plants? A Simple Guide
“How often should I water this?”
It’s probably the most common question people ask about their plants — and unfortunately, there isn’t one perfect answer.
Once a week. Every three days. Every other day. These rules can be helpful as a starting point, but your plants don’t actually know what day it is. What matters is what’s happening in the soil.
Here’s how to figure out when your plants actually need water.
Start With the Soil
Before you reach for the watering can, check the soil.
For many common houseplants, you can simply stick your finger an inch or two into the pot. If the soil still feels damp, your plant probably doesn’t need more water yet. If it feels dry, it may be time for a drink.
This simple habit can prevent one of the most common plant-care mistakes: watering on a schedule whether the plant needs it or not.
How Often Should You Water Houseplants?
It depends on the plant.
Some houseplants like to dry out quite a bit between waterings. Others prefer their soil to stay slightly moist.
Light also makes a big difference. A plant sitting near a bright, sunny window will generally use water faster than the same plant sitting in a darker corner of your home.
The size of the pot, type of soil, time of year and even the temperature inside your house can all change how quickly the soil dries.
That’s why checking the plant instead of checking the calendar is usually the better approach.
Outdoor Pots Are a Different Story
Outdoor containers can dry out surprisingly fast, especially during a Baltimore summer.
A container sitting in full sun on a 90-degree day may need water every day. Smaller pots and hanging baskets can dry even faster.
Larger containers usually hold moisture longer, while terracotta pots tend to dry more quickly because the material itself is porous.
Wind matters too. A breezy balcony, rooftop or patio can pull moisture out of a container much faster than you might expect.
During really hot stretches, check your outdoor pots daily rather than assuming yesterday’s watering was enough.
Water Deeply
When you do water, give the plant a good drink.
For most potted plants, that means watering slowly and thoroughly until you see some water begin to drain from the bottom of the pot.
A tiny splash on top of the soil may wet the surface without actually reaching the roots farther down.
Good drainage is important here, too. Pots should have somewhere for excess water to escape rather than leaving the roots sitting in water.
Morning Is Usually Best for Outdoor Plants
If you’re watering outdoor plants and containers, morning is generally a great time to do it.
Temperatures are cooler, there's less evaporation and your plants have a chance to take up moisture before the hottest part of the day.
But if you discover a very thirsty plant at 4 p.m., water it.
A plant that needs water doesn't benefit from waiting until the “perfect” time tomorrow morning.
Learn What Your Plants Look Like When They're Happy
The longer you care for plants, the easier this gets.
You start noticing which pot dries out first. Which plant gets dramatic when it's thirsty. Which one absolutely does not appreciate being watered too often.
Instead of trying to follow one watering schedule for every plant in your home, get into the habit of checking them.
Look at the leaves. Feel the soil. Pick up smaller pots and notice how light they feel when they're dry.
Your plants will usually tell you what they need.
Heading Out of Town?
Before a trip, give your plants a good check rather than automatically soaking everything before you leave.
Some plants may need a thorough watering. Others may still have plenty of moisture in their soil and be perfectly happy until you get home.
And if you'll be away long enough that your plants will need care while you're gone, that's where a plant watering service can help.