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How To Water Houseplants From The Bottom?

The world of plants can be a tricky one – how often to water; what type of water to use; even, these days, different techniques for watering! If you have been wondering how to water houseplants from the bottom, wonder no more – we are here to take you through this technique and explore why it is so good for your plants.

How To Water Houseplants From The Bottom?

how to water houseplants from bottom

Watering from the bottom is ridiculously easy, and it can benefit the health of your plants immeasurably.

You don’t need to keep your plants in a container indefinitely – watering from the bottom can be done as and when.

All you need is:

  • A bowl
  • Room temperature water
  • Fertilizer (if needed)

This is what you should do then:

  1. First, check if your plant actually needs a drink. Do this by gently pressing your finger into the soil – if it is dry to the first knuckle then your plant is ready for water.
  2. Fill a bowl or container with lukewarm, room temperature water.
  3. Add the fertilizer at this stage if you feel that your plant needs a bit of a feed.
  4. Place the plant pot in the container and let it sit for around 15 minutes.
  5. Remove the plant, and place it back where it lives – you can place a saucer or plate under it to catch any water that drains away.
  6. Check your plants regularly for dryness, especially if you are just starting out in bottom feeding – it can be hard to know how much water they need.

Once you have got the technique down, you will wonder why you ever watered in a different way!

This is a great article for helping you to allow your plants to be watered from the bottom – whether you’re away on holiday or not!

How Often Should I Bottom Water My Plants?

The amount that you water your plants will vary from plant to plant – some are much thirstier while others only need an occasional drink.

Once you have established your plants’ watering needs, then you can decide how often they should be bottom watered.

Because bottom watering is an efficient way of watering your plants, you may find you have to do it more often than top watering.

It is recommended that you check your plant’s moisture levels, and be prepared to water every 3-4 days when you are using this method.

This amount of time gives the plant the perfect opportunity to absorb the water it needs, without giving it too much or too little.

In the summer, or during hot periods or times of more wind, you may have to water your plants even more often – just keep an eye on the soil.

Can You Overwater With Bottom Watering?

Can You Overwater With Bottom Watering

Although bottom watering is a good way to avoid overwatering your plants, you do still have to be a little careful with the amount of water they get.

Any plant that is left to sit around in water is at risk from root rot, so try to ensure that you don’t leave your plants standing in water.

Following the guidelines – that means soaking it for 10 minutes then removing it and allowing it to drain – is the best way to use this method.

If you leave your plant sitting in water it will end up with root issues – make sure you remove it from its bath and not leave it sitting in moisture.

How Long Should Plants Sit In Bottom Watering?

You want to give your plants the right amount of water, but you don’t want them sitting around in a puddle.

Plants should have a good soaking from bottom watering for 15 minutes before being removed and allowed to drain.

This amount of time is just perfect for allowing the plant to draw up the water it needs, without giving it too much.

Around 15 minutes is also the perfect amount of time for the minerals in the soil to be released by the water, so the plant can take on nutrients.

Make sure you don’t get distracted and forget about your plants sitting in their bath, as leaving them for too long can cause problems.

If you like visual instructions, this video takes you through how to bottom water effectively, step by step:

Why Is Bottom Watering Not Working?

This is a great method of watering, but you may find it is not working for a few different reasons. Here is our troubleshooting guide!

  • The soil is too compacted. If your soil is packed down too tightly, there will not be enough room for the plant to absorb water.
  • Your soil is clay based. This type of heavier soil is much harder and heavier, meaning that the plant may struggle to suck up enough water.
  • Too many stones at the bottom of the pot. Excess stones can affect the capillary movement of the water through the soil.
  • Your pot has no drainage holes. Check the bottom of the pot to make sure it has a hole for the water to go in; without this bottom watering simply won’t work.
  • Not enough water in the tray. If you only put a little dribble of water in your watering tray, there won’t be enough for your plant to absorb.
  • The water level is uneven. If your tray is tilted, or the water pools on one side, it will be difficult for your plant to suck up anything.

If bottom watering is not working for you, check if you have one or more of these issues – it might take a little repot or some changing soil, but bottom watering can greatly help you and your plants.

Once you’ve got the hang of watering from the bottom, you might even find that your plants develop fewer health conditions.

Bottom watering is easy, convenient, and doesn’t take any time out of your schedule – give it a go and you’ll see for yourself!

2 thoughts on “How To Water Houseplants From The Bottom?”

    • It sounds like your plants might be really thirsty! There’s no harm in refilling the container a few times until the water stops disappearing – this is definitely a sign that the plant has had enough.

      Reply

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