The love for houseplants continues to grow as more people embrace the beauty and benefits of indoor greenery. Houseplants not only enhance home decor but also improve air quality and create a calming atmosphere. However, keeping them healthy requires proper care, with watering being one of the most critical factors. Different plants have varying water needs, and understanding them can prevent issues like overwatering or underwatering.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced plant parent, this guide will help you provide the right amount of water for 20 of the most popular houseplants, ensuring they thrive in your home.
1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
Watering frequency: Every 2-6 weeks
Snake plants are low-maintenance and prefer dry soil before watering again. Overwatering can cause root rot, so let the soil dry completely.
2. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Watering frequency: Every 1-2 weeks
Keep the soil lightly moist but allow it to dry slightly between watering. Avoid letting it become completely dry for long periods.
3. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Watering frequency: Every 1-2 weeks
Pothos do well with some drying out between waterings. They can tolerate underwatering better than overwatering.
4. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum spp.)
Watering frequency: Every 1 week
Peace lilies like consistently moist soil. If they start to droop, it’s a sign they need water.
5. Monstera (Monstera deliciosa)
Watering frequency: Every 1-2 weeks
Let the top inch of soil dry before watering again. Monsteras thrive in slightly moist conditions but dislike soggy roots.
6. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
Watering frequency: Every 2-3 weeks
This drought-tolerant plant stores water in its rhizomes and prefers to dry out before the next watering.
7. Aloe Vera
Watering frequency: Every 3 weeks
Aloe Vera thrives on minimal watering and should only be watered when the soil is completely dry.
8. Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
Watering frequency: Every 1-2 weeks
Water when the top inch of soil dries out, but avoid letting the plant sit in excess water.
9. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
Watering frequency: Every 2-3 days
This fern enjoys consistently moist soil and needs frequent watering to stay healthy.
10. Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)
Watering frequency: Every 2-3 weeks
Jade plants store water in their leaves and prefer infrequent watering with soil drying out between.
11. Philodendron
Watering frequency: Every 1-2 weeks
These plants like slightly dry soil before watering but should not be left dry for too long.
12. English Ivy (Hedera helix)
Watering frequency: Every 1-2 weeks
Ivy plants need moist soil but should not be overwatered. Allow the top layer to dry slightly.
13. Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata)
Watering frequency: Every 1 week
Fiddle leaf figs require consistent moisture but should not be waterlogged.
14. African Violet (Saintpaulia)
Watering frequency: Every 1 week
Water when the top soil feels slightly dry. They prefer even moisture but should not sit in standing water.
15. Calathea
Watering frequency: Every 1 week
Calatheas require consistently moist soil and are sensitive to tap water—use filtered or rainwater if possible.
16. Dracaena
Watering frequency: Every 2-4 weeks
These plants do well with soil drying out slightly between watering.
17. Orchids (Phalaenopsis)
Watering frequency: Every 1 week
Water when the potting mix feels dry, but avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
18. Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana)
Watering frequency: Every 1-2 weeks
If growing in soil, keep it slightly moist. If growing in water, ensure the roots remain submerged and refresh the water every two weeks.
19. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
Watering frequency: Every 1-2 weeks
Allow the soil to dry out between watering but avoid keeping it dry for extended periods.
20. Bromeliads
Watering frequency: Every 1-2 weeks
Keep the soil slightly moist, and ensure the plant’s central cup always contains a bit of water.
Conclusion: Mastering Houseplant Watering
Knowing how often to water each type of houseplant is key to keeping them healthy and vibrant. Overwatering is a common mistake, so always check soil moisture before adding more water. By following these guidelines, you can enjoy a lush, thriving indoor garden. Happy plant parenting!