Easy DIY · Indoor plant care

Avoid overwatering houseplants with a drainage check

Use plant-specific soil checks and drainage rather than watering only by the calendar.

AI-edited · Human admin approved

Wikimedia Commons · Iswaryadhamodharan2001 / Wikimedia Commons; CC0 1.0; unmodified photograph. · CC0 1.0 Universal ↗

Water needs depend on the plant, light, temperature and pot. University of Minnesota Extension notes that excess water and poor drainage can lead to root problems and fungus gnats. Check plant toxicity separately if pets are present.

Your try-it-at-home checklist

0 / 6 done

Identify the plant and look up its preferred soil moisture and light levels.
Feel the soil surface and shallow layer; avoid using one moisture rule for every species.
Check for drainage holes and see whether water sits in the saucer.
When watering is due, add water gently to the potting mix rather than leaving foliage wet.
Empty collected water from the saucer so roots do not sit submerged.
If leaves yellow or soil stays soggy, review watering frequency and drainage.

Your try-it-at-home checklist

Further reading

You may also like

Six checks before using a stepladder at home

Insulate accessible hot-water pipes in six steps

Apply IKEA TRIXIG Felt Floor Protectors in Six Steps