The 5 Rules for Watering a Houseplant
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Are your plants yellowing, drying out, or losing their leaves one after another? Do you think you have a "black thumb"?
Rest assured: gardening isn't innate, it's a simple science. The number one cause of death isn't a lack of water, but often... too much love (and watering)!
Forget preconceived notions. Here are the 5 golden rules to transform your interior into a lush jungle.
1. Don't program the watering, program the observation!
The classic mistake is to think: "I water every Sunday." That's wrong!
Your plant's needs change depending on the weather, heating, and its growth. In winter, it drinks less. In summer, it is thirsty.
The right method: Set an alarm on your phone to check your plants, not to water them blindly. Touch the soil: if it's moist, wait. If it's dry to a depth of 2 cm, get out the watering can.
The tool for the correct dosage
Watering with a bottle is imprecise (the jet is too strong). A watering can with a fine spout allows you to pour the water gently, giving the soil time to absorb it.
See the Precision Watering Cans
2. Don't forget the top (The Foliage)
In nature, rain wets everything: roots and leaves. In your living room, you only water the roots.
However, foliage needs humidity to remain supple and green (especially for tropical plants like Ficus, Monstera or Calathea). This is where misting comes in.
Spraying your plants recreates their natural environment and compensates for the dry air in our apartments.
The essential complement
Watering nourishes, misting hydrates. For leaves without dry tips, use a watering can and a spray bottle.
- ☁️ Micro-mist: Hydrates without soaking.
- ✨ Decorative Object: Made of gilded brass, it is as beautiful as it is useful.
3. Beware of wet feet (Drainage)
It's the number one cause of death: root rot.
If you water and the water stagnates at the bottom of the pot (or worse, the waterproof cachepot), the roots suffocate. This is the "wet socks" effect.
The golden rule: Your pot must always have drainage holes. Put clay pebbles at the bottom. And above all, empty the saucer 20 minutes after watering!
4. A plant is not a piece of furniture.
In nature, a tree doesn't change its location. Your Ficus doesn't like it either.
Find him a stable place:
- Light: Sufficient for comfortably reading a book.
- Drafts: Avoid areas of passage or windows that are often opened in winter.
- Heating: Never placed next to a radiator!
5. Dust is the enemy
The dust that accumulates on the leaves acts like sunscreen. It blocks light and prevents photosynthesis. A dusty plant is a suffocating plant.
Tip: When you mist your plant weekly, wipe the leaves with a soft cloth. This cleans the plant's pores and repels pests (scale insects, mites) that hate being disturbed.
Go for it!
Gardening is learned through practice. Equip yourself with the right tools (watering can + sprayer) and take the time to observe. Your plants will reward you.
Getting started