How to Tell if a Plant is Overwatered or Underwatered
What’s the best way to keep plants healthy? How do you know if your plants are overwatered? What’s the differences between overwatered vs underwatered plants?
These might seem like simple questions, but if you’re a landscaper, you know that it they are not. The answer will depend on how much water your soil can retain and where you live.
For example, in California it’s important for plants to be watered regularly because they are used to dry spells. But in Florida or Virginia, watering every day is too often because of our humid weather and over-abundance of rainfall. Wherever you are, you can achieve great curb appeal on your residential or commercial property with these helpful tips.
So what do you do when there isn’t an easy answer? We’ll tell you what common signs to look for when it comes to overwatering and underwatering your plants and how to make sure your plants get just enough water.
Watering plants is an important part of maintaining a healthy garden. However, many people do not understand the best methods for watering their plants. This blog post will discuss the right way to water your plants, so they are healthier and more attractive.
When to Water your Plants
It’s important to know when to water your plants and how much is needed, especially in winter months. Many people overwater their plants, which can lead to many problems such as root rot, fungal growths, and leaf drop (or dead leaves).
For best results follow these simple steps:
1) Check the topsoil for moisture before watering the plant
2) Water deeply enough so that water penetrates at least 6-8 inches into soil
3) Allow all excess water to drain away from pot or container
4) Remember that in humid climates you may need more frequent watering than in dry climates
5) Avoid letting pots sit in saucers or trays of standing water.
If any of these instructions are followed correctly, they will help ensure your healthy garden.
Can you overwater plants?
Simply put, yes. Overwatering plants is not uncommon. Fortunately, we can help you prevent this from happening and even show you how to rescue and extend the life of your plants. Below is a list of ways you can recognize if you have overwatered your plants and how to save them.
When you first set up your plant in its pot or on its new soil, it needs to be watered thoroughly and deeply until the soil is wet all the way down to about 6 inches below ground level. The top layer of dirt should be moist but not soggy with water after this initial deep watering.
If you use a container that has drainage holes at the bottom, make sure these holes are open before adding any water because if they’re closed then too much pressure builds up and will not properly grow.
How to Know if Plants are Overwatered?
It’s very simple to know whether or not you have been overwatering your plants. Below are a few ways you can avoid oversaturating your plants:
- Watering at night: Without sunlight, water tends to evaporate less and linger. Too much water at night may cause the roots to “drown” and have little to no oxygen. However, watering during the daytime assures your plants are getting proper amounts of water and nutrients from the soil while sunlight helps to evaporate excess water from overly saturated plants.
- Watering more than once a day: Most plants don’t need to be watered more than once but definitely no more than twice (depending on the weather, as well as the size and species of the plant).
- Watering plants even when it rains: Be sure to give your outdoor plants a break if they’ve been exposed to the spring and summer rain. If there is excessive rain, bring your plants inside and properly set them near a window sill to get proper exposure or indirect sunlight.
- No drainage holes in your plant pots: It’s so important to make sure excess water can properly drain off and out of your potted container plants so that they do not become over watered and have lack of oxygen. With indoor plants, you can purchase specialty pots that properly drain without creating a mess.
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Overwatered vs Underwatered Plants
Overwatered and underwatered plants have different signs although similar. With too much water, the roots will develop bacterial or fungal issues so it is best to transplant outside when possible if this occurs in your home. With an underwatered plant, it is not possible to tell immediately if your plant needs water unless the leaves begin to wilt, brown or curl.
How to Tell if a Plant is Overwatered:
With plants and trees, there are some easily detectable signs and symptoms of an overwatered plant to look for. There may also be some subtle or less noticeable signs we will share as well.
Carefully knowing what to observe on the plant is key. Below is a list of features you may notice if your plants have received too much water.
- Leaves: It’s a good idea to examine the leaves and stems. Overwatered leaves and stems will be heavy and droopy. This can cause stems to break and die off.
- Color: The ideal plant is upright and has a vivid green color to the leaves and stems. The green pigment, known as chlorophyll, is a great indicator or a healthy plant that is receiving proper nutrients through the process of photosynthesis. However, if the plant has any discoloration or wilting or if you notice any dark brown spots, the plant may be experiencing root rot which keeps oxygen from getting to the plant and affects the leaves and stems.
- Sunlight: Exposure to sunlight will help evaporate water in the plants and give it the nourishment it needs to make its own food. Lack of sunlight and too much water will cause weak roots and a quick decline in the plant’s health.
- Growth: If you’re noticing any stunted or slow growth in your outdoor or potted plants, they may also be overwatered. Healthy plants should have a noticeable, steady growth on a daily basis
Once you know exactly what to look for, the easier it will be to rescue or prevent overwatering your plants.
Signs of overwatering trees:
Signs of overwatering trees can be seen when paying close attention to the trees appearance. If you notice the area around the tree is constantly wet or if new growth withers before it’s fully grown or becomes light green or yellow, you may have an overwatered tree. Also, if the tree’s leaves appear green but are fragile this is a sign the tree has received too much water. On the other hand, under-watered trees typically are much more brittle and have brown or yellowed branches.
Signs of Overwatering Flowers
Overwatering flowers can be caused by too much water, fertilizer, or light. If you notice that your flowers are wilting, then you should check for these signs of overwatering.
- The flowers will be drooping and wilted.
- Leaves on the flowers may look yellowish.
- The Flower may have a brownish color.
- Flowers stem may be dry.
Signs of underwatered plant
When plants are watered too little, they tend to grow slowly and produce less flowers. The leaves may also appear yellowish, dry brittle, and dull. If the plant is droopy and dry, you can try to water enough to where the soil is damp, but not overly soaked or floating in water. If you notice these symptoms, then it means that your plant needs more water and you should continue to gently water it and observe its progress over the next few days.
Furthermore, if you see that the soil surrounding your plant looks dry and crumbly, you might want to consider watering your plant again. You don’t need to worry about whether or not the soil is moist enough because most soils contain moisture all day long. But if your soil appears dry, it’s probably time to add another layer of mulch or topsoil.
Underwatered Tree Signs
If you notice that your trees are drooping, they may be suffering from underwatered. This is caused by a lack of water during the dry season. The best way to prevent this problem is to ensure that your trees receive adequate amounts of water throughout the year.
In addition, if you notice that there are signs of drought such as leaf drop, branch dieback, or bark cracking, it could mean that your tree is suffering from dehydration. To avoid this situation, you must provide your trees with sufficient amount of water so that their roots remain well hydrated at all times.
How often should I Water my Pot Plants?
The best way to determine how often to water your pot plants is by observing their current condition. When looking at your plants, pay attention to the amount of foliage present, size of the leaf blades, and overall appearance of the plant. If you notice that the plant seems smaller than normal, with fewer leaves or no leaves at all, chances are you’re giving it too much water. Conversely, if you notice lots of lush greenery, plenty of blooms, and strong stems, then you likely aren’t providing enough water.
As you can see, there are a few ways to tell if your plants are overwatered. We’ve provided some helpful tips for how to keep plants healthy and thriving in the commercial landscape. If you have any questions on this or other landscaping topics, please don’t hesitate to contact us!
If you’re a commercial property owner in need of help keeping your plants healthy, don’t worry. We can take care of that for you. For over a decade, we have been the go-to provider for quality landscape services to clients all over the Lynchburg area and beyond. Our team of commercial landscapers at CLC Incorporated look forward to helping you create a beautiful home exterior for your commercial property.
Frequently Asked Questions
An overwatered aloe plant looks like a wilted flower. The leaves turn yellow and wilt and they have rotting roots. Aloe plants need regular watering to stay healthy, but too much water can kill it.
An overwatered succulent will have soft, mushy, almost translucent leaves. The roots are brown and dry, and the leaves are yellow and curled up.
Yes, you can overwater tomatoes. Sings of overwatered tomatoes included cracked fruit, blisters, or bumps on the lower leaves. However, you should water them at least once per day, garden tomatoes typically require 1-2 inches of water a week.
Yellow leaves are a sign of overwater, but they also indicate that the plant needs water. If you notice that your plants are soft and limp, then they are being overwatered.
An overwatered peace lily shows signs of drooping, leaves turning yellow, brown tips, and root rot from suffocation.