A hand holds a Happy Roots plant pot liner under the running sink in a kitchen. Water runs through the soil and drips through the drainage holes and aeration slots.

Ways to Water

Do you ever wish your plants would be more clear in their communication? It can be hard to determine when and how much to water individual plants, especially if your a new plant parent.

Experimenting with different watering methods can help optimize the growth and health of your plants. Changing watering methods seasonally can help keep plants at proper moisture levels and promote growth and blooming.

A close-up of a Happy Roots flexible liner being held under running water at a sink, showcasing its drainage slots and a healthy green plant.

Top Water

Top watering is the practice of pouring water onto the soil's surface and allowing water to soak through and flow through. Water should be applied gently to avoid disrupting the plant.

In a Happy Roots Pot, the liner can be removed and taken above the sink and rinsed. Allow the water to stop dripping completely before replacing in the pot.

A close-up of a Happy Roots white ceramic pot with a vibrant green plant, showing water being poured through a side funnel feature, surrounded by decorative bark mulch.

Bottom Water

Bottom watering hydrates soil from the bottom up through capillary action, keeping leaves and flowers dry. To bottom water a Happy Roots Pot, pour water down the liner’s side, filling it partially or near the topsoil. Allow the plant to soak briefly, then remove excess water and let the liner drip before replacing it. This method is ideal for fertilizing, as nutrients evenly distribute through the soil, while occasional top watering flushes excess minerals.

A close-up of hands placing a black Happy Roots flexible liner containing a green plant into a purple ceramic pot, highlighting the liner's aeration slots and the pot's glossy finish.

Hydroponic Growing

Hydroponics is a method of growing plants without soil, using a nutrient-rich water solution to deliver essential minerals directly to the plant roots.

Hydroponics works well for propagating cuttings and various other hydroponic arrangements because the liner acts as a sieve and allows water to be easily changed. Water should be changed twice monthly and water soluble fertilizer is added to fresh water.

Woman's hand's with nice nails using a misting bottle to spray a white orchid with mist. The orchid is in an alabaster white curvy Happy Roots plant pot sitting on a black table cloth.

Humidity and Circulation

Some plants have the remarkable ability to quench their thirst by absorbing moisture directly from the air! However, Humidity plays a key role in keeping many plants hydrated and can even help maintain soil moisture. Add humidifies to rooms but maintain good circulation.

While humidity can be a helpful ally, most plants still rely on traditional watering to meet their hydration needs and excessive humidity may lead to the growth of unwanted fungi and bacteria.

Challenges of Watering Houseplants

Soil type, humidity levels, temperature, sunlight intensity, pot material, type of year, and type of houseplant all affect soil moisture levels and how often a plant will need to be watered. It can be challenging to determine the right timing, especially when it changes seasonally. Below are some different methods that indoor gardeners use to determine if its time to water again.

  • Adopt an Indication Plant

    Keep a peace lily or a fittonia plant in your collection. These plants are known for their visible 'faint' or extreme dropping when they get thirsty. Water within a couple days of the plant fainting without negative consequence. Having an indicator plant let's you know when its time to water your other plants.

  • Two Inch Test

    To assess soil moisture, insert your finger or a chopstick 2 inches deep into the soil. Water the plant if dry, wait if slightly damp, and avoid watering if wet. Use the dampness on your finger or chopstick as a guide.

  • Soil Weight

    A houseplant's weight can indicate its watering needs. Lift the pot to assess its heaviness. A well-watered pot feels heavier, while a dry pot feels lighter. By learning the weight difference, you can intuitively determine when to water the plant.

  • Drooping Leaves

    Thirsty plants may display drooping leaves — a sign you will begin recognize with familiarity. By inspecting your houseplants daily, you can make informed watering decisions and detect early signs of other issues.

  • Watering Tips

    Most plants will appreciate a reduction in watering quantity during the winter months and an increase in spring and summer. Not only will temperatures and sunlight be more intense, but this typically corresponds with natural growing cycles.

    Certain plants may be sensitive to tap water which can contain chemicals such as chlorine, fluoride and high mineral content which can lead to a buildup of salts in the soil.

  • Watering Mistakes

    Using water that is too cold or too hot (room temperature is best).

    Using a pot without proper drainage which causes water to pool and plants to become overwatered.

    Not checking soil moisture levels (each plant has different needs depending on size, type, and growing conditions).