On of the first things to worry about when wattering your plants
is how to judge if a plant needs water. There are different methods
that people use, some just look at the soil to determine if its
dry or not. If its dry the soil is usually pale and crumbly, if
wet then the soil is dark. Some people push on the soil with their
fingures to feel the moisture in the soil. This method works but
over time will compress the compost.
For clay pots you cat tap the side of the pot with a bobbin (wooden)
attached to a short stick to determine the moisture level. The
pot will ring if water is needed and sound dull when wet. This
only works on clay pots because of the porosity of the clay absorbs
water from the soil.
Moisture - indicator strips are used by putting the strip in the
soil and it will indicate if water is needed or not. Along the
same lines are electronic moisture meters. Just simply insert
the probe into the soil and read the moisture level off the display.
Only problem with the meter is repeted insertion of the probe
can damage the plant's roots.
Now that you've judged if you plant needs water, how do you water
your plant? For most plants applying the water directly to the
soil allowing the excess water to filter down into a saucer or
drip pan. Some plants, particularly those with soft and hairy
leaves, water damages the leaves when if falls on them. The way
to water these plants is to place the pot into a bowl of water
until moisture reaches the surface of the soil, then letting the
water drain out of the pot.
Some people may not realize that you can over water a plant. The
effect is close to what happens when you don't water a plant enough.
The leaves start to wilt. If a plant becomes waterlogged then
remove it from the pot, and allow the soil ball to dry, but not
to become bone dry and crumbly. When soil ball is dry repot in
a new pot with new soil. If a plant is too dry place the pot into
a bowl of water until bubbles cease to come from the soil. Mist
the leaves several times to help replace the water lost to transpiration,
and place the plant into a lightly shaded place for a few days.