Houseplants add warmth and vitality to any room. Beyond enlivening the space, they offer psychological benefits, such as elevating mood, reducing stress, and boosting productivity. Pretty neat, right? That’s why proper care matters—including how you water them.
The best time to water plants
Watering indoor potted plants in the morning is best for several reasons. “You’re giving your houseplants access to moisture before the brighter, warmer part of the day, and any water splashed onto the leaves has time to dry,” says Emily Bauer, founder of Jungle, a New York City plant design and care company.
Tammy Sons, a third-generation horticulturalist at TN Nursery in Altamont, TN, agrees: “Morning watering is always best—always prior to sunrise,” she says. “Everything benefits except desert plants like cacti from morning watering.”
Why nighttime watering isn’t ideal
Evening watering can contribute to mold, fungal growth, and even root rot. “Watering at night means it will stay on a leaf longer, allowing fungal and bacterial spores to germinate and infect the leaf,” says Peter Brian Morris, a New York City-based horticulturist at Plant Specialists.
Of course, moisture needs can sometimes outweigh those risks. “The concern is leaving foliage wet or soil consistently soggy, especially in a cool room with little airflow,” Bauer says. “If you discover a dry, thirsty plant in the evening, give it water.”
Plant placement matters
Be mindful of where you place your plants in your home regardless of your watering schedule. For example, certain spots can harm your plant. “Sun rays striking a drop of water sitting on a leaf can function as a lens and burn the leaf,” says Morris.
So, it’s best to keep certain indoor plants out of direct sunlight to reduce the risk of leaf scorch, overheating, and rapid soil drying.
Also tailor your watering to your plant’s position. “The same plant can have very different watering needs beside a sunny window versus across the room,” Bauer says. “Check again when the seasons change, or the heat comes on. A routine that worked in July may need adjusting in January, even if the plant hasn’t moved.”
Consider water temperature
Water temperature plays a crucial role when caring for houseplants. Morris advises using tepid water: “Water should be moderately warm, a bit more than room temperature. This aids in absorption into the soil. Some species of orchid roots will rupture if watered with super cold water.”
Avoid overwatering
Although proper hydration is critical for plant health and development, excessive watering can wreak havoc and have the opposite effect. “The frequency of watering is by far the most important aspect to control,” notes Morris. “Watering too often leads to roots that suffocate from lack of oxygen and dying.”
To prevent it, Sons recommends educating yourself on your greenery. “Learn the types of plants you have and the adequate watering schedule they need,” she says.
They’ll appreciate the routine, and so will you!
Karla Pope is a longtime writer, editor and blogger with more than two decades of editorial experience. She’s written for a variety of outlets including Good Housekeeping, Woman’s Day, Travel + Leisure, Tripadvisor, People, Parade and more. Her coverage includes travel, lifestyle, entertainment and wellness content. When she's not exploring the world with her family, you can find her curled up on the couch watching a documentary and eating gummy bears.
