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Water collecting in a plant saucer? Check drainage and empty the tray

Let houseplant pots drain after watering and avoid leaving them sitting in a full saucer or cachepot. Watering frequency depends on the plant and potting mix.

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Virginia Tech Extension advises watering thoroughly until water drains from the bottom and not leaving containers standing in a drainage tray for over 60 minutes. A decorative cachepot without holes may need its inner nursery pot removed for watering.

Your try-it-at-home checklist

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Identify the plant and potting mix, then check how dry the medium feels. Avoid applying one fixed watering schedule to every species.
Before watering, check that the growing pot has unobstructed drainage holes. Handle heavy pots on a stable surface.
Water slowly as appropriate for the plant and check for drainage below. Wipe spills promptly to prevent slips.
Let the pot drain until dripping stops and empty the saucer. Virginia Tech advises against leaving a pot standing in tray water for more than 60 minutes.
If the outer decorative pot has no holes, remove the inner growing pot for watering, drain it, and return it afterward.
Track drooping leaves, persistent wetness and musty smells, then adjust watering frequency. Follow specific guidance for succulents and orchids.

Your try-it-at-home checklist

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