Watering without a rigid schedule

A calendar can be a useful reminder to check your plants, but it cannot tell you exactly when each pot needs water. Temperature, light, pot size and the plant itself all affect how quickly soil dries.

Check the soil before watering. For many common foliage plants, letting the top layer dry slightly is a good starting point, while some plants prefer to dry more or less between drinks. Follow the needs of your particular plant when you know them.

When it is time to water, moisten the soil evenly and let excess water drain away. Do not leave a plant sitting in a full saucer; roots need air as well as moisture.