How to Water Potted Plants from the Bottom

Watering potted plants can be tricky, especially if you want to avoid overwatering or underwatering your plants. One effective way to water your plants without causing any damage is watering from the bottom. Here's how:

Choose the Right Pot and Soil

Before you can water your plants from the bottom up, you need to make sure you have the right pot and soil. Choose a pot that has drainage holes in the bottom so that water can flow freely through it. Additionally, pick a good quality potting soil that will absorb water easily.

Fill the Saucer with Water

The next step is to fill the saucer under the pot with water. Make sure that the water level in the saucer is not higher than the drainage holes of the pot. If the holes are submerged, the soil will absorb too much water, and it could cause root rot and damage.

Allow the Soil to Soak Up the Water

After you have filled the saucer with water, allow the soil to soak up the water through the drainage holes. This process usually takes around 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the size of the pot and how dry the soil is. It's important to note that you should avoid adding more water until the soil has fully absorbed the first round.

Empty the Excess Water from the Saucer

Once the soil has absorbed all the water it needs, empty any excess water from the saucer. This step is crucial as leaving excess water in the saucer can cause the roots to become waterlogged, which can lead to root rot and other issues.

Watering from the Bottom Tips

Here are a few tips to keep in mind when watering your potted plants from the bottom:

Make sure the water level in the saucer is not higher than the drainage holes in the pot.

Check the soil before watering from the bottom to see if it's dry enough to need watering.

Don't add more water to the saucer until the soil has fully absorbed the first round.

Empty any excess water from the saucer to prevent root rot.

Use room temperature water to avoid shocking the plant roots.

Watering from the bottom may not be the best option for all plants. Some plants, like succulents, prefer to be watered from the top.

Overall, watering potted plants from the bottom is not only an effective way to keep your plants hydrated, but it also helps prevent root rot and other issues caused by overwatering. With the right pot, soil, and proper watering techniques, you can keep your plants healthy and thriving.