Should You Water Indoor Plants after Repotting?

Repotting indoor plants is a necessary task to ensure their well-being and healthy growth. However, it can be confusing to know whether or not to water your plants immediately after repotting. The answer isn't straightforward, as it depends on various factors. Let's take a closer look at what these factors are and how to determine when you should water indoor plants after repotting.

Factors that Affect the Need for Watering after Repotting

The need for watering after repotting indoor plants will depend on some variables, including:

Plant type: Different plant varieties have different water requirements. Some plants can withstand longer periods of drought, while others require more frequent watering.

Pot size: The size of the pot will affect the volume of soil and water that it can hold. Larger pots will hold more water and take longer to dry out compared to smaller pots

Soil type: Soil that has a high water-holding capacity will maintain adequate moisture levels for more extended periods.

Root damage: Repotting can cause root damage, and this affects the plant's ability to take up water.

How to Determine Whether to Water or Not After Repotting

The best way to tell if your indoor plant needs watering after repotting is by checking the soil moisture levels. Here's how to go about it:

Step 1: Stick your finger about an inch into the soil.

Step 2: If the soil feels dry to the touch, it's an indication that your plant needs watering.

Step 3: If the soil feels damp, it's an indication that there's still enough moisture in the soil, and you can hold off on watering for a while.

If you don't like the idea of sticking your finger into the soil, you can use a moisture meter instead. The meter will give you accurate readings of the soil moisture levels, which will help you determine whether to water or not.

Precautions to Take When Watering Indoor Plants after Repotting

While watering indoor plants after repotting is necessary, you should ensure that you do it correctly to avoid waterlogging, a condition where water accumulates in the container's bottom and drowns the roots. Here are some precautions to follow:

Wait: Give your newly repotted plant some time to settle in before watering it. Most plants will experience some level of stress after repotting, and flooding them with water will only add on to the stress. Wait for a week or two after repotting before watering.

Use correct watering techniques: Use the correct watering techniques to ensure that water reaches the roots evenly. Pour water until it runs out of the bottom drainage holes, and dispose of excess water. Do not allow your potted plant to sit in a saucer full of water as this can cause waterlogging.

Observe: Observing your indoor plants is essential, more so after repotting. Look out for any signs of over watering or under watering. Yellow leaves or drooping foliage can be indications of over watering, while dry leaves or crispy tips are indications of under watering.

In conclusion, the answer to whether you should water indoor plants after repotting is dependent on several factors such as plant type, pot size, soil type, and root damage. You can determine whether your plant needs watering by checking the soil moisture levels using your finger or a moisture meter. If you decide to water your indoor plants, do it correctly and take precautions to avoid waterlogging.