Are You Watering Wrong? Fix It With These Easy Tips

April 16, 2025

Hey there,

While watering seems simple, it’s one of the most common reasons houseplants struggle. This week, we’re getting your watering game on point, no drooping, no root rot, just happy, thriving plants.

Plant of the Week
Fiddle Leaf Fig—Watering Essentials 🌱🎻

The ever-popular Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata) is beautiful… and a little dramatic. Get the watering right, and it thrives. Get it wrong, and those gorgeous leaves start throwing tantrums.

✅ When to Water:

  • Water when the top 2–3 inches of soil feel dry.

  • Frequency varies, usually once a week, but more in summer and less in winter.

✅ How to Water:

  • Water slowly and thoroughly until it drains out the bottom.

  • Always empty the saucern, this plant hates soggy roots.

✅ Pro Tip:
Stick your finger into the soil or use a moisture meter. Don’t rely on surface dryness alone, it can be deceiving!

Indoor Troubleshooting
Why Are My Plant’s Leaves Drooping? 😟🍃

If your once-perky plant is looking slouched and sad, here’s how to decode the signals:

🔻 Underwatering Signs:

  • Crispy edges or dry, brittle leaves

  • Soil pulling away from the pot sides

  • Leaves drooping but bouncing back after watering

💦 Overwatering Signs:

  • Yellowing or mushy leaves

  • Soil that stays wet for days

  • A sour smell from the pot (hello, root rot!)

 Poor Drainage Clues:

  • Water pooling on the surface or not draining

  • Compact, heavy soil

  • Mold or fungus on top of the soil

Fix It:

  • Repot with well-draining soil

  • Use pots with drainage holes

  • Stick to a watering schedule based on actual soil moisture, not the day of the week

Creative Indoor Ideas
DIY Self-Watering Planters 🛠️💡

Want a low-maintenance solution? Try making your own self-watering planter! Perfect for forgetful waterers or frequent travelers.

You’ll Need:

  • A larger outer container (like a decorative pot or repurposed bowl)

  • A smaller inner pot with drainage holes

  • Cotton rope or string

  • A drill (if needed)

How to Build:

  1. Thread cotton rope through the bottom of the inner pot, let 4–5 inches dangle into the reservoir.

  2. Fill the outer container with a bit of water.

  3. Place the inner pot (with plant and soil) inside.

  4. The rope will wick up water as needed, no guesswork, no stress.


    Plants absorb water when they need it, not when you remember. It prevents overwatering and keeps moisture consistent.

Weekly Plant Care Ritual
Touch-Test Tuesday 🌿👆

Every Tuesday, check your plants’ soil by gently pressing your finger 2 inches deep into the pot. Skip the guesswork, only water if it feels dry.

Overwatering often comes from watering on autopilot. This quick weekly habit helps you stay in tune with your plant’s real needs.

Watering your plants shouldn’t feel like guesswork. With just a few easy tweaks, from timing to technique, you’ll prevent root rot, boost growth, and keep your indoor jungle thriving.

🌿 Noticed yellowing leaves or sudden leaf drop? It might not be just the watering. Our guide on Troubleshooting Tropical Plants dives into the deeper causes and how to fix them fast.

For more plant care wisdom, visit our blog, your green space just got smarter.

Best regards,
My Indoor Garden Team