Want to keep your plants as happy as possible? Here is the worst time to water your plants and what you need to know about creating a watering schedule!
Houseplants can be a beautiful addition to any home – but they can be a lot of work, too.
Not only do you need to water your plants, but you also need to think about when you water your plants.
It’s very important to know your plant’s water requirements to avoid under or overwatering them.
Do you know what the worst time to water plants is? This is yet another key piece of information you have to know to ensure optimal thriving conditions for your pet plant.
This is the reason why we’ve decided to delve into this topic today and help you learn the worst and best times to water plants.
The worst time to water your plants
Generally speaking, midday and evening are the worst times to water your plants. Watering the plant during this time can cause it more harm than good, especially if the weather is hot and sunny.
In this case, the water on the soil will evaporate faster than it takes for the soil to take it all in, which makes the watering venture pointless.
Additionally, there are risks of leaving water droplets on leaves during these times. Water droplets can act as magnifying glasses, focusing sunlight and potentially causing burns or scorching on the leaves, which can harm the plant.
When it comes to evening watering, there is still some debate over it.
Watering your plants at night might lead to some wet splotches on the leaves. That can result in diseases that will ultimately kill the plant. However, if you use a watering wand or drip irrigation, you might avoid this dreadful scenario.
The best watering time for plants
So, if the worst time to water your plants is during the day and in the evening, when is the best time to provide your plants with the hydration they need?
Morning watering
The best time to water your plants is early in the morning. If you can finish this task before the sun rises high up in the sky, that would be ideal.
During this time, temperatures are cooler, evaporation rates are lower, and plants can absorb water effectively.
This allows the water time to be absorbed into the plant’s roots before it gets too hot and the water evaporates.
Plus, it gives droplets time to dry on the leaves before the bright sun might scorch them.
Morning watering is always the perfect option to choose. It refreshes and nourishes the plant and helps it better perform its process of photosynthesis.
However, if you’re not a morning person, then this option falls out of your schedule.
Evening watering
In that case, you can water your plants in the evening, but only if the water is directed at the soil level to avoid creating damage to the plants.
During these times, temperatures are lower than midday, allowing for better water absorption.
When the sun is not too hot, you can use drip irrigation to nourish your plants. They can benefit significantly from this method, as they will receive a thorough soaking and plenty of moisture down to the root level.
This will give your greenery a fighting chance against the hot summer weather.
More watering tips
Here are some more tips for having the best success when watering your plants.
Check the soil
Always double-check the soil before watering your plant. Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty – get up close to the soil, check it carefully, and feel how wet or dry the soil is.
This way, you will know exactly when your plants are overwatered or underwatered.
After a short time, you will develop a sense of balance and will know exactly what the soil should look like if they need watering. If you are ever uncertain, then do the knuckle test – that is your safest bet to find out!
Look for compact soil
Along with the best time to water plants, check if the soil in the posts has become compact. It can happen with soilless potting medium after two years or so.
Notice how the water runs through the soil fast? It does not give enough time for the plant to take up any water.
Once this happens, transfer the plant to a new pot with a fresh and high-quality potting mix.
Always water the soil
Consider soil level your go-to point for where to aim your water. Potted plants and in-ground plants benefit from this – you are directing the water exactly where the plant needs it!
The leaves don’t need to be showered with water – they will not greatly benefit from that.
Experiment with drip irrigation
Try adding a timer and drip irrigation. One of the most simple and effective ways to water your plants is on a schedule.
You can set a timer to remind you when you should water them to ensure you never forget.
Even if you’re not at home, you can make sure that there’s no worst time to water plants if you have a drip hose system set in place.
It’s very important that you’re mindful of the best and worst time to water your plants – it might not sound like an important factor, but believe us, it can make all the difference! Knowing this will help you provide your plant with water at a time that’s ideal for them, which will help them grow and thrive at an optimal rate.
If you liked reading about this subject, we can only assume you’re eager to learn more. We are also eager to uncover much more information, so make sure to download our free PDF houseplant starter guide and familiarize yourself with all things plants!
Thanks for reading!
Hey there, I’m Morgan, a houseplant enthusiast from sunny Charleston, South Carolina. Growing up surrounded by my mom’s lush orchids and African violets, I discovered the magic of bringing nature indoors. Thanks to the pandemic, I delved deeper into houseplants, discovering their power to uplift moods and transform spaces. I’m here to spill all my secrets, helping you pick the perfect houseplant – and make it happy. Let’s keep your plants alive, together! 😊