If you think you’re overwatering your plants, here’s what you need to know!
Besides making your home look prettier and purifying the air, houseplants tap into your natural desire to nurture things. Because they are living organisms, they require your attention, love, care, and water to survive.
Just like succulents—such as cacti and snake plants—that can go days without needing your attention, not every plant requires constant care. In fact, many plants prefer to be left alone for a few days. I don’t know about you, but when I was new to this, I was so concerned about giving my plants everything they needed that I was watering them every day. It didn’t take me long to realize that I was actually killing them.
I’m probably not the only one to do so, so in today’s article, we’ll talk about all the signs you’re overwatering your plants. The first thing to know is that plant roots can quickly drown if left in waterlogged soil, especially during periods of poor growth, like short winter days or in low-light areas. We’ve got plenty more tips like this in today’s article, so let’s dive right in. Without further ado, here are the key signs you’re overwatering your plants!
1. Look at the limp
If you take a look at your beautiful houseplants and notice they suddenly develop yellow or brown limps and leaves, you could be overwatering your plants. On the other hand, crispy and dry leaves are a sign you don’t give them enough water, so you need to adjust based on variety, temperature, season, and pot size.
Professional gardeners often point out that wet soil combined with wilting leaves can indicate root rot, meaning the roots are struggling to absorb water effectively. You can easily find information online about your plant’s variety, characteristics, and care requirements. This way, you’ll know just how much water to give them. And that’s how you keep your green friends thriving and happy!
…The next sign is a bit smelly! Let’s uncover it!
2. Root rot
If you’re overwatering your plants, you’re more likely to see root rot anytime soon. This is a terrible condition, and it could put an end to your houseplants’ lives. When the soil is constantly waterlogged, the root doesn’t get enough oxygen, so it begins to decay. No wonder why you suddenly smell a foul odor coming from your plant. Dark and mushy roots that feel soft to the touch are another sign of root rot, and it’s not pleasant.
You need to take action immediately if you notice any of these signs because root decay prevents the plant from properly absorbing water and nutrients, but it can also spread to the healthy ones. Think of it like a disease: if you don’t take care of it soon enough, it will only make things worse.
To avoid this problem, make sure your lovely plants have proper drainage and let the soil dry out before you water it again. In case you suspect the root is rotten, remove the plant from its pot ASAP, trim away the damaged roots, and repot it in fresh, well-drained soil and a new pot. If you don’t have another pot, make sure you properly clean the old one, so there’s no bacteria that could harm the healthy roots.
…If you enjoy our advice, make sure to explore other articles on our website. We can help you achieve your dream of becoming a skilled gardener in no time!
3. Wilting leaves
Wilting foliage can be a confusing sign, but we can learn more about it. When you’re overwatering your plants, the roots could become saturated, which depletes the soil’s oxygen supply. This will stop the root from absorbing water properly, so you’ll soon notice the leaves dropping and wilting.
Even though wilting is frequently linked to underwatering, it can also indicate that a plant has been overwatered and it’s hard to manage a large quantity of liquid. If you notice wilting leaves, pay attention to how much water you give them. As we’ve previously said, don’t give it any more water unless the soil is dried out. This will help your plant be healthy and strong.
…Are you overwatering your plants? Keep reading and let’s find out together!
4. Slow growth
I understand how you’d like your plants to grow fast, be stronger, and make your home even prettier than it already is, but patience is key here. However, if it takes ages to see even the tiniest improvement, it means that you’re probably overwatering your plants. Since the root “swims” into the water, it doesn’t have enough oxygen, which means that it won’t grow as fast.
In case your once-vibrant plant starts showing signs of stagnation, check the soil moisture. If it’s waterlogged, it’s time to stop and probably repot it in fresh new soil. Moreover, adjusting your water routine can be very helpful in managing healthy growth patterns. You can use a moisture meter to keep track of this, so your plant always receives the right amounts of water. If you want a device like this, check out this one!
5. Mold growth
Another telltale sign that you’re overwatering your plants is mold growth. When the soil stays damp for longer periods, it creates a suitable environment for algae and mold to thrive. You’ll see these tiny organisms appear as a slimy or fuzzy covering on the soil. If you don’t get rid of this ASAP, your plant won’t have nutrients to feed on.
To avoid this, make sure your pot has enough drainage and let the soil dry out more in between waterings. If you see mold, it’s best to remove the top layer of soil and add new, dry soil instead. This easy step will help your plant be happy and healthy again.
Did you notice any of these signs on your plants? Let us know in the comments below! If you find this article helpful and would like to check out something else from Gardeners and Plants, here’s a good post for you: 7 Humidity-Loving Plants That Are Perfect for Your Bathroom
