What Plants to Water from the Bottom

Watering is an essential task when it comes to taking care of plants. While most people are familiar with watering from the top, watering from the bottom can also be beneficial for certain plants. In this article, we will explore the plants that benefit from bottom watering and how to do it.

Plants That Benefit from Bottom Watering

Not all plants benefit from bottom watering, and some may even suffer from it. However, there are several plants that grow better when watered from the bottom, including:

Succulents: These plants store water in their leaves, and watering them from the bottom helps prevent overwatering.

African violets: These plants are sensitive to getting water on their leaves, so bottom watering is ideal for them.

Peace lilies: These plants have a sensitive root system that can easily rot if overwatered, making bottom watering a safer choice.

Begonias: These plants prefer moist soil, but their leaves can develop water spots if watered from the top, making bottom watering a better option.

How to Water from the Bottom

Watering from the bottom is a simple process that requires the following steps:

Fill a container with water and place it on a flat surface.

Place the potted plant on top of the container, making sure the bottom of the pot is in contact with the water.

Leave the plant on top of the container for several minutes or until the soil is moist from the water uptake.

Remove the plant from the container and let it drain off any excess water.

It's important to note that not all plants are suitable for bottom watering. Plants with long taproots, such as carrots and dandelions, may not benefit from this watering method since the water may not reach deep enough.

Tips for Bottom Watering Plants

Here are a few tips to keep in mind when bottom watering plants:

Use filtered water: Chlorine or fluoride in tap water can negatively affect some plants, so it's best to use filtered water or let tap water sit out for 24 hours before using it.

Don't overwater: While bottom watering is a great method to prevent overwatering, it's still essential to monitor the soil's moisture level to avoid drowning the plant.

Follow the plant's watering requirements: Different plants have different watering needs, so it's essential to check the plant's specific watering requirements before deciding to water from the bottom.

Check for drainage: Before bottom watering a plant, it's essential to make sure that the pot has proper drainage holes to avoid waterlogged soil.

Conclusion

Bottom watering can be an effective way to keep certain plants healthy and thriving. It's important to remember that not all plants benefit from this method, and it's essential to follow the plant's specific watering requirements to avoid overwatering. With the right approach, bottom watering can be an excellent addition to your plant care routine.