Watering – understanding plants' water needs

💧 Watering – understanding plant water needs

At our place, we like happy plants. And for them to be happy, watering plays an essential role. This seemingly simple action is, however, one of the most delicate to master.

Each plant has its own needs, and many factors influence the frequency, quantity, and best time to water.

It's normal to have questions, and that's exactly why this guide exists: to help you better understand your plants and give them what they truly need, without stress or excess.

 

🕰️ When to water and how much water to give?

Each plant has its own rhythm, and by observing its origin, we better understand its needs. Tropical plants, for example, come from humid environments where rain is frequent.

They often have large leaves and generous foliage, which require a humid atmosphere to stay in top condition. Conversely, plants from arid regions, such as cacti or succulents, prefer the soil to dry out completely between waterings. They like to be given time to breathe.

Once you've identified your plant's temperament, the easiest way is to rely on the texture of the potting soil. By touching the soil, you'll know if it needs water or not. To guide you, we have grouped plants into three main families according to their thirst:

 

🌵 Plants that are not very demanding of water - watering – understanding plant water needs

These are the independent ones of the plant world. They like to be a little forgotten and prefer dry soil before receiving a new watering. Cacti, succulents, or sansevierias: they store water in their leaves or roots and do not appreciate persistent humidity.

Example: discover our resilient plants like the Sansevieria in our dedicated collection.
Sansevieria – resilient indoor plants

When to water?
When the soil is dry deep down, the pot is light, and it's been a while since you last watered it. The surface of the potting soil is light, crumbly, almost dusty: that's the right time.

 

🌿 Plants with moderate thirst - watering – understanding plant water needs

These plants like balance. Neither too much nor too little. They appreciate their potting soil remaining slightly moist, without ever being waterlogged. Spider plants, peace lilies, philodendrons, or pothos belong to this easy-to-care-for family.

These plants are among the most popular in our store.
Philodendron – graphic green plants

When to water?
When the surface of the potting soil starts to dry, the leaves look a little less vibrant, or the pot feels lighter than usual. Gentle and regular watering is enough to keep them healthy.

 

🌧️ Plants that are very demanding of water

These are the great lovers of humidity. Originating from tropical forests or humid undergrowth, they need consistently fresh soil. Marantas, fittonias, ferns, or calatheas require more regular attention.

When to water?
Check them every day or every other day. If the soil surface is dry to the touch, it's time to act. These plants quickly show their discomfort: curling leaves, brown edges, drooping posture. Give them a generous watering, like tropical rain, to thoroughly moisten the entire root ball.

Find our tropical plants in this category.
Shade plants – low-light spaces

🌱 What influences a plant's thirst

Every plant has its own rhythm, but this rhythm can change depending on its environment. Watering does not solely depend on the species: several elements can alter its daily water needs.

• Plant size: the larger it is, the more it consumes. Dense foliage or large leaves evaporate more water.
• Pot size: a small pot dries out quickly, a large pot retains moisture longer.
• Soil type: some substrates retain water, others let it drain. Peat-rich soil holds moisture, while a sandy mixture dries quickly.
• Light: the more light a plant receives, the more it transpires. Heat accelerates soil evaporation.
• Season: in winter, plants slow their growth and drink less. In summer, they are more active and more demanding.
• Temperature and ambient humidity: heating, air conditioning, or dry air can dry out the potting soil faster than expected.

👉 Observing these parameters will help you adjust your watering accurately, without stress or excess.

 

💦 How to water your plants: the two gentle methods

Each plant has its preference, but there are two main ways to give it the water it needs: from above or from below. It's up to you to choose the one that best suits your plant... and your pace.

🌧 Watering from above

This is the most common method: gently pour water onto the potting soil, taking care not to drown the plant. The water should be at room temperature, neither too cold nor too hot, so as not to shock the roots. The ideal is to water until water starts to drain out of the drainage holes. This ensures that the entire root ball is well moistened.

💡 Remember to empty the saucer after about ten minutes. A plant that sits in stagnant water for too long risks suffocating its roots.

 

🫧 Bottom watering (soaking)

This method involves letting the plant drink at its own pace. Simply place the pot in a basin or saucer filled with water and wait. By capillary action, the water slowly rises to the roots, which absorb only what they need.

⏳ Let it soak for 30 to 60 minutes. If the water no longer decreases, the plant is satisfied.

🪴 Ideal for plants in small pots or those that tend to have very dry soil.

💡 For large plants, you can use a bucket, sink, or bathtub. Be careful not to leave them too long: roots also need air.

 

💧 Tap water: friend or foe to plants?

Yes, you can water your plants with tap water... but with some precautions. This water often contains chlorine, fluoride, and sometimes lime, which can irritate roots or mark the most sensitive leaves.

To make it softer, simply let it sit in the open air for 24 hours. The chlorine evaporates, the water tempers, and it becomes much more pleasant for your plants.

💡 If you notice brown leaf edges or unusual spots, this may be related to chlorine or fluoride sensitivity.

🌧 The ideal? Rainwater. It is naturally rich in oxygen, soft, and perfectly suited to plant needs. If you have a rain barrel or a bucket outside, remember to store some for your waterings. Simply let it return to room temperature before using it.

✨ And for the curious: some studies suggest that sparkling water, thanks to the carbon dioxide it contains, could stimulate root growth and make foliage denser and greener. Nothing is too crazy for our plant babies, right?

 

🌿 Good habits for stress-free watering

🌱 Tip	Why it's useful	Action to adopt
Touch the soil	Feel the actual moisture of the potting soil	Gently push a finger or stick 3 cm deep
Lift the pot	Weight reveals the water level	Lighter = drier, heavier = well-hydrated
Water in the morning	Leaves dry better, fewer risks of fungi	If possible, avoid watering in the evening
Water all around the pot	Water distributes better in the potting soil	Don't only aim for the base of the plant
Choose a pot with a hole	Avoids stagnant water and drowned roots	Slip the plastic pot into a nice cachepot
Observe without guilt	A plant can recover from neglect, less so from excess	Let your plants talk to you, they know how to make themselves understood

 

👉 Discover our plants adapted to each watering rhythm in our collection:
Easy indoor plants for beginners