The number one killer of houseplants isn’t neglect — it’s killing them with kindness: overwatering. And there’s a free moisture meter you carry with you everywhere: your finger. Push it two centimetres into the soil. Comes out damp? Don’t water. Comes out dry? Water.
Before you water out of habit, ask the soil. It never lies.
Two more signs to fine-tune it: yellow, soft leaves usually mean too much water; brown, crispy tips mean too little water or too little humidity. With these three clues you’ve covered 90% of plant scares.
Start today: before you water, put your finger in. Two centimetres of soil tell you everything you need to know.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I water my houseplants?
There’s no fixed number: it depends on the plant, the pot and the time of year. Instead of the calendar, check the soil with the finger trick.
How do I know if my plant needs water?
Push your finger two centimetres into the soil. If it comes out damp, don’t water; if it comes out dry, water.
Which is worse, overwatering or underwatering?
Overwatering. Too much water is the number one killer of houseplants; drought is far more forgiving.