By Morgan Reed
Contributing Writer
Houseplants have become a popular addition to homes, not only enhancing the aesthetic appeal of living spaces but also improving air quality and fostering a sense of calm. However, understanding each plant’s unique watering requirements is key to their long-term health. Overwatering or underwatering can both lead to plant stress, so it’s essential to know how often to water different species.
Here’s a guide to the 20 most popular houseplants and their specific watering needs, ensuring your plants thrive and remain vibrant.
- Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
Water every 2-6 weeks. This hardy plant prefers dry soil and thrives on minimal watering. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. - Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Water every 1-2 weeks. Keep the soil lightly moist, letting it dry out slightly between waterings. - Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Water every 1-2 weeks. Pothos can tolerate slight underwatering, but avoid overwatering. Let the soil dry out between waterings. - Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum spp.)
Water every 1 week. Peace Lilies like moist soil. They will droop slightly when they need water, which serves as a useful indicator. - Monstera (Monstera deliciosa)
Water every 1-2 weeks. Let the top inch of soil dry out before watering. They prefer slightly moist conditions. - ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
Water every 2-3 weeks. ZZ Plants store moisture in their rhizomes and can tolerate drought. Let the soil dry out completely before watering. - Aloe Vera
Water every 3 weeks. Aloe Vera requires infrequent watering and prefers its soil to be completely dry between waterings. - Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
Water every 1-2 weeks. Water when the top inch of soil is dry. Ensure the pot has good drainage to prevent waterlogging. - Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
Water every 2-3 days. Boston Ferns prefer constantly moist soil but need well-drained soil to avoid root rot. - Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)
Water every 2-3 weeks. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Jade Plants store water in their leaves, so they thrive with less frequent watering. - Philodendron
Water every 1-2 weeks. Let the soil dry out slightly between waterings, but don’t let it dry out completely. - English Ivy (Hedera helix)
Water every 1-2 weeks. Keep the soil moist, but not soggy. Allow the top layer to dry between waterings. - Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata)
Water every 1 week. Fiddle Leaf Figs prefer consistently moist soil and dislike drying out completely. - African Violet (Saintpaulia)
Water every 1 week. Water when the top of the soil feels slightly dry, maintaining even moisture. - Calathea
Water every 1 week. Calatheas like consistently moist soil, but they’re sensitive to water quality, so it’s best to use distilled or rainwater. - Dracaena
Water every 2-4 weeks. Let the soil dry out partially between waterings, but don’t let it stay dry for too long.
- Orchids (Phalaenopsis)
Water every 1 week. Water when the potting medium feels dry to the touch, avoiding overwatering to prevent root rot. - Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana)
Water every 1-2 weeks. Lucky Bamboo can grow in water, but ensure the roots are always submerged. Change the water every two weeks. - Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
Water every 1-2 weeks. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings, but avoid letting it stay dry for too long. - Bromeliads
Water every 1-2 weeks. While their soil should dry out slightly between waterings, the central cup should always contain water.
By understanding and following the specific watering guidelines for each houseplant, you can avoid common mistakes and ensure your plants thrive. With the right care, your indoor garden will remain vibrant, healthy, and a true reflection of your green thumb. Happy gardening!