If you own houseplants, you know maintenance can feel like a full-time job—from fertilizing to ensuring proper light exposure. Watering needs vary widely by species. Luckily, this straightforward guide draws directly from my friend Christophe, a garden center professional with 20 years of hands-on experience helping thousands of plants thrive.
Here's how to determine when to water your houseplants. Watch:
Click here to easily print my guide in PDF.
When to water: Every 10 to 15 days
Good to know: Never water succulents if the soil is still moist—wait until it's fully dry. When watering, thoroughly soak the plant, then let excess drain and the soil dry quickly, mimicking a tropical downpour.
To discover: 25 Great Decoration Ideas With Succulents.
Latin name: Aloe
When to water: Every 10 to 15 days
Good to know: As succulents, aloes follow the same rules: fully dry soil before watering.
To discover: 40 Uses of Aloe Vera That Will Blow Your Mind!
Latin name: Spathiphyllum
When to water: Every 5-10 days
Good to know: Keep soil moist, allowing it to dry to about 5 cm deep between waterings. Slow drying indicates it needs more sun.
Latin name: Sansevieria trifasciata
When to water: Every 10 to 15 days
Good to know: Wait for completely dry soil, then soak thoroughly and drain. Though shade-tolerant, it thrives in bright, direct light as a desert native.
Latin name: Ficus lyrata
When to water: Every 5-10 days
Good to know: Let soil dry 5 cm deep. It prefers full light, even if leaves occasionally crisp at edges.
Latin name: Peperomia
When to water: Every 5-10 days
Good to know: Allow 5 cm dryness. Prolonged moisture signals insufficient light.
Latin name: Chlorophytum comosum
When to water: Every 5-10 days
Good to know: Water at 5 cm dryness. Prefers moist soil; slow drying means more light needed.
Latin name: Calathea
When to water: Every 5-10 days
Good to know: Water at 5 cm dryness. Avoid misting foliage to prevent disease, but keep soil moist. Slow drying? Increase light.
Latin name: Chamaedorea elegans
When to water: Every 5-10 days
Good to know: Water at 5 cm dryness. Likes moist soil; slow drying indicates low light.
Latin name: Citrus
When to water: Every 5-10 days
Good to know: Water at 5 cm dryness or when leaves wilt/curl. Slow drying? More light or switch to terracotta pots for quicker drainage.
Latin name: Ficus elastica
When to water: Every 5-10 days
Good to know: Prefers well-drained soil; water at 5 cm dryness.
Latin name: Phalaenopsis
When to water: Every 5-10 days
Good to know: Mist regularly (daily or every other day). Weekly, soak pot 3/4 deep in room-temp water for 10 minutes until bubbles stop. Avoid sphagnum moss—use orchid bark mix. Thrives in humid spots like bathrooms.
Latin name: Philodendron
When to water: Every 5-10 days
Good to know: Water at 5 cm dryness. Slow drying means more light needed.
Latin name: Ficus
When to water: Every 5-10 days
Good to know: Water at 5 cm dryness. Loves bright sun exposure.
These two rules from Christophe's expertise will transform your plant care:
Dry soil repels water initially. If it runs straight through without absorbing, try bottom-watering via drainage holes or soaking (basinage) in a bucket until the surface wets.
Smaller plants or those in brighter spots need more frequent watering. Use 1/4 to 1/3 pot volume. Test by finger: dry at 5 cm deep? Water.
Did this guide help with your houseplant watering? Share in the comments—we'd love to hear!
