#Tomoto plants droppy from overwatering how to#

#Tomoto plants droppy from overwatering how to#

If you water at night, the soil will remain moist for too long and can encourage rot and fungus to occur.ĭrainage is key when considering how to avoid overwatering. Try to water when the sun is out so that moisture can evaporate more easily. Check out our detailed watering tips for the Wally Eco for more information! Water from the base of the plant, or if you’re using a Wally Eco, water directly into the watering channel at the back of the planter, behind the perforated divider. Sometimes, when leaves are splashed with water too often, they can develop mold, so try to avoid getting leaves wet when you water. If you can’t tell with your fingers how moist the soil is, use an unfinished wooden chopstick (check for the wood getting wet) or you can always get a soil moisture gauge or meter that can help take the guesswork out of watering!

Of course, every plant has individual care requirements, so keep that in mind! If the soil is dark and you feel even the slightest bit of moisture, don’t water - most plants only need water when the soil is dry and light in color. Using your finger, test about 2” down in each planter and feel for moisture. Here’s how to avoid overwatering your houseplants.īefore you water each and every plant, check the soil individually.

Overwatering can cause plants to drown from lack of oxygen in the soil, can cause root rot and fungus to grow in soil that isn’t drying out, and can be misdiagnosed as pest damage. If your plant is regularly drying out far too quickly, consider repotting your plant - it may need more room! As soon as you feel it’s dry at least 2” down, go ahead and water. A good rule of thumb is to check the soil with your finger for moisture. If your plant is underwatered, give it a good, thorough drink of water, making sure to get water to the roots, and consider shortening the length of time between waterings. Pests like fruit flies and fungus gnats thrive in moist conditions, possibly indicating overwatering, while pests like spider mites prefer dry conditions, possibly indicating underwatering. Pests: Depending on the pest, pests may be an indication of either over or underwatering. Soil pulling away from the sides of the planter: This is a sign of underwatering.ĭropping leaves: Plants dropping leaves can be an indication of either overwatering or underwatering, so check for other symptoms and check the soil moisture.īlisters on the leaves: If you see growths or blisters on the undersides of leaves, you may be dealing with plant cells that have burst because they contained too much water, a sign of overwatering. Root rot will appear as mushy, slimy black, grey or brown roots (not the healthy white they should be). Soft, mushy stem: An indication of the presence of root rot beneath the soil due to overwatering. Slow, stunted growth: If your plant is growing slowly or failing to flower, it may be underwatered.īrittle, crisp stem: Healthy stems should be strong and flexible, so if stems are snapping or looking especially brittle, your plant may be underwatered. Mildew, mold, or fungal growth: If fungal growth appears on the plant or the soil, that indicates overwatering. Check the soil for moisture to decide which it may be.įoul odor from the soil: A foul smell coming from the soil can indicate roots are rotting beneath, indicating overwatering. However, yellow, curling lower leaves can also be an indication of underwatering. Yellowing leaves: Usually accompanied by new growth falling, yellow leaves are an indication of overwatering. If it feels soft and limp, it is overwatered. Determine which by feeling the leaf showing browning: if it feels crispy and light, it is underwatered.

If the soil is wet, it’s overwatered - if it’s dry, it’s underwatered.īrowning edges: Another symptom that can go both ways. Wilting: Plants will wilt when they’re overwatered and when they’re underwatered, so check the soil to determine which it is. Symptoms of underwatering and overwatering can look similar, so we’re here to shed some light on what each symptom can mean! Inspect your plant for the following signs of water stress and find out which you’re dealing with. Let’s take a look at how to diagnose whether your plant needs more or less water, and tips for finding that perfect balance. Because overwatering and underwatering are equally tough on your plants, finding a good balance - the sweet spot where your plant is happiest - is essential. Knowing when and how much to water your plants is the one of the trickiest parts of plant parenthood.