How often, how much, and which mistakes to avoid
Most houseplants don't die from too little water, but from too much. That sounds paradoxical, but it's the truth from everyday floristry.
Proper watering is the most important skill for every plant owner, and at the same time the most underestimated. The question "How often do I need to water?" has no single answer – it depends on the plant, the pot, the location, and the time of year.
The golden rule: The finger test
Forget all watering schedules and apps. The most reliable test is the simplest: stick your finger in the soil . If the top two to three centimeters are dry, water. If they're still moist, wait.
This test works for 90 percent of all houseplants. Exceptions: succulents and cacti (the soil must dry out completely) and ferns/calathea (the soil should always be slightly moist).
How much water?
When watering, do it properly. This means: Add enough water until it runs out of the drainage hole at the bottom. Then let it drain and remove any excess water from the saucer. No standing water in the saucer – this leads to root rot.
Remember: It's better to water infrequently and thoroughly than often and lightly. Frequent, shallow watering (only wetting the surface) causes the roots to grow only in the upper layer, making the plant unstable.
Watering according to the season
Spring (March-May): The plants awaken and slowly need more water. Increase watering frequency.
Summer (June-August): High water requirements. Check daily during heat waves. Balcony plants sometimes twice a day.
Autumn (September-November): Reduce gradually. The plants are preparing for their dormant phase.
Winter (December-February): Water significantly less. The plants hardly grow and transpire less. Overwatering in winter is the most common mistake.
Which water?
Tap water in Vienna is excellent (high-quality spring water from the Alps, soft and low in calcium). In areas with hard, calcareous water, sensitive plants (orchids, azaleas, hydrangeas) can have problems. Solution: Collect rainwater or boil the water and let it cool.
Water temperature: Room temperature. Cold water straight from the tap shocks the roots. It's best to let the watering can stand overnight – then the water will be at room temperature and the chlorine will have evaporated.
The most common casting defects
Overwatering: The number one cause of death. Yellow leaves, mushy stems, musty smell from the soil. Immediate action: Do not water, allow the soil to dry out, in the worst case repot and cut off any rotten roots.
Leave water in the saucer: The roots will sit in the water and rot. After 30 minutes, drain the excess water.
Watering according to a schedule: "Water every Monday" doesn't work. Water requirements change with temperature, light, and season. Always do the finger test.
Water the leaves, not the soil: The water needs to go into the soil, not onto the leaves. Wet leaves promote fungal diseases, especially in African violets, begonias, and succulents.
Giessen on vacation
Not every plant can survive two weeks without watering. Solutions:
- Self-watering system: Clay cones or wick systems from the garden center. They work reliably for one to two weeks.
- Bathtub trick: Place plants in the bathtub on wet towels. The plants will absorb water as needed.
- Ask your neighbors: The most reliable solution. Write a short instruction: "Water this plant every 3 days, this one every 7 days."
- Before your holiday: Water all plants thoroughly and move them away from direct sunlight (less evaporation).
Watering your flowers correctly — or Blumen gießen, as we say in German — is the single most important factor in keeping them fresh and vibrant.
Houseplants at MoBlumen Vienna
Easy-care plants with tips from the florist.
Frequently Asked Questions about Watering
Yellow leaves (especially the lower ones), mushy or brown stems, musty smell from the soil, small flies (fungus gnats). In advanced stages: black, rotten roots. The soil feels constantly wet.
Soaking is better. Place the pot in lukewarm water for 10 to 15 minutes, then drain thoroughly. Once a week is sufficient. The roots must dry completely between soakings – that's why transparent pots are ideal.
For houseplants, the time of day doesn't matter. For balcony and garden plants: morning is ideal. The plant can use the water before the midday heat arrives. Watering in the evening is also okay, but the leaves shouldn't remain wet overnight (risk of fungal growth).
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