Should You Water Plants from Top or Bottom

When it comes to watering your plants, the question of whether to do it from the top or bottom can be a bit confusing. While there’s no one definitive answer, there are a few things you should consider to determine the best watering method for your plants.

Top Watering

Top watering is the most common way of watering plants. It involves pouring water onto the soil surface around the plant until it runs out of the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot. This method is suitable for most indoor and outdoor plants, except for plants that require consistently moist soil, such as ferns and orchids.

One thing to keep in mind when top watering is that you should water slowly to allow the soil to absorb the water properly. Pouring too quickly may cause the water to run off, leaving the soil dry in some areas.

You can also use a watering can with a long spout to direct the water straight to the soil surface without getting any water on the leaves, which can cause fungal diseases.

Bottom Watering

Bottom watering involves placing the potted plant in a tray of water and letting the soil soak the water up through the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot. This method is ideal for plants that are prone to overwatering or for larger plants that are difficult to lift and water from the top.

One advantage of bottom watering is that it ensures that the plant gets the right amount of water it needs. It also prevents water from getting on the leaves, which can cause mold and bacterial growth.

However, bottom watering can also cause a buildup of salts, minerals, and fertilizers in the soil, which can affect plant growth in the long run. To avoid this, it is important to occasionally flush the soil with fresh water.

Plant Type

The type of plant you have is also an important factor when deciding whether to water from the top or bottom. As mentioned earlier, plants that require consistently moist soil, such as ferns and orchids, should be watered from the top. These plants also benefit from misting to keep the air around them moist and humid.

Plants that are drought-tolerant, such as cacti and succulents, prefer to be watered from the bottom to prevent root rot. Watering from the top can also cause the leaves to rot or fall off.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the best way to water your plants is to understand what they need and use the appropriate method. Some plants prefer a dry soil, while others need to be kept consistently moist. Understanding the water requirements of your plants can help you determine whether to water from the top or bottom.

Just remember that overwatering is one of the most common mistakes that plant owners make, so always err on the side of caution and water less than you think is necessary. And if you are still unsure, ask a plant expert or nursery for advice!