Can You Water a Plant from the Bottom?

Watering plants is an essential part of plant care, but many people wonder if it's possible to water a plant from the bottom. The answer is yes, and in fact, it can be an effective way to ensure that plants get the right amount of water they need. In this article, we will discuss how to water plants from the bottom and the benefits of doing so.

What is Bottom Watering?

Before we dive deeper into how to bottom water your plants, it's essential to understand what it is. Bottom watering is the process of watering plants from the bottom up, allowing the roots to absorb water via capillary action. This method involves adding water to a tray or saucer that the plant pot sits in, where the roots will soak up the water they need.

Benefits of Bottom Watering

Bottom watering has several benefits that can make it a great method for watering plants. Firstly, it ensures that the roots receive the right amount of water they need, as they absorb water naturally in this way. Secondly, it can help prevent overwatering, which is a common issue among plant owners. When watering from the top, water can quickly run off the soil surface, causing plants to become waterlogged if you're not careful. Thirdly, bottom watering encourages the roots to grow deeper and spreads them out, which ultimately makes for a more robust and healthy plant.

How to Bottom Water Your Plants

Now that we have discussed the benefits of bottom watering your plants, let's dive into how to do it. Here are the steps to follow:

Fill a tray or saucer with enough water to cover the bottom, but not too much that it will reach the soil surface.

Place the plant pot in the tray or saucer, making sure that the water is in contact with the bottom of the pot.

Leave the plant to soak up the water for around 30 minutes to an hour. You can leave it for longer, but avoid leaving it too long as this can cause waterlogging.

After soaking, remove the plant pot from the tray or saucer and let any excess water drain away.

When to Use Bottom Watering

Bottom watering can be used for many plant types, such as those with deep roots, such as citrus trees or ficus plants, and is particularly useful for plants that like to remain moist, such as ferns. However, it is essential to note that not all plants are suitable for bottom watering. Plants that need good drainage, such as cacti or succulents, are not good candidates for this method, as it can cause the soil to become waterlogged, which can lead to root rot.

Conclusion

Now that you know how to bottom water your plants and the benefits of doing so, you can incorporate this method into your plant care routine. Remember to choose the right plants for bottom watering and avoid overwatering, as it can harm the plant.