When to Water Paddle Plant

Paddle plant (Kalanchoe thyrsiflora) is a slow-growing succulent that is commonly grown in containers both indoors and outdoors. One of the most important aspects of paddle plant care is watering. It’s vital to get it right to prevent over or under watering, both of which can cause problems for the plant. In this article, we’ll look at the signs that your paddle plant needs watering, how often to water it, and what to do if you overwater or underwater it.

Signs that Your Paddle Plant Needs Watering

The first sign that your paddle plant needs watering is its leaves. When the leaves are full and upright, it usually means that the plant has enough water. However, when the leaves start to droop or wilt, it’s a clear sign that the plant is thirsty. Another way to tell if your paddle plant needs watering is by touching the soil. If the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch, it’s time to water your plant.

How Often to Water Paddle Plant

The frequency of watering your paddle plant depends on several factors. These include the temperature, humidity, and the size of the container. In general, you should water your paddle plant every two weeks during the growing season, which is spring and summer. During the winter months, when the plant is dormant, you can reduce the frequency of watering to once a month. It’s essential to ensure that the soil has had time to dry out before watering again to avoid overwatering.

How to Water Paddle Plant

When watering your paddle plant, you should do so slowly to allow the soil to absorb the water properly. Place the plant in a sink or shower and water it from the top, ensuring that the water is evenly distributed. You should keep watering until you notice that water is flowing freely from the drainage holes at the bottom of the container. After this, leave the plant to drain well before returning it to its growing location.

What to Do If You Overwater Your Paddle Plant

If you overwater your paddle plant, it can lead to root rot , which is a fungal disease that occurs in moist soil. The first thing to do is to remove the plant from its container and check the roots for signs of rotting. If you notice any brown or black roots, you should cut them off with a clean, sharp pair of scissors. Repot your plant in a new container with fresh soil, ensuring that you water it only when the soil has dried out.

What to Do If You Underwater Your Paddle Plant

Underwatering your paddle plant can cause its leaves to dry out and turn brown. If you notice that your plant is underwatered, you should water it immediately. Be sure to soak the soil thoroughly until the water runs out of the drainage holes at the bottom of the container. To prevent further underwatering, you should water your paddle plant more frequently, and ensure that the soil stays moist at all times.

Conclusion

In conclusion, watering your paddle plant is a crucial aspect of its care. Regular watering, at the right time and frequency, ensures that the plant thrives and remains healthy. Over or underwatering can be detrimental to the plant, but with proper care, it can quickly recover. By following the tips outlined in this article, you’ll be able to keep your paddle plant growing and looking its best.