Keeping houseplants healthy often comes down to one deceptively simple task: watering. Yet this is also where many plant parents go wrong. Water too little, and your plants wilt and dry out. Water too much, and you risk root rot, fungus, and even the plant’s collapse. The key isn’t a strict calendar—it’s learning to read your plants and their soil. Below, you’ll find practical advice for watering indoor plants in general, plus specific tips for five popular varieties: snake plant, pothos, philodendron, spider plant, and aloe vera.
General Watering Tips for Houseplants
Check the soil first. Stick your finger an inch deep—if it feels dry, it’s time to water. If it’s still damp, wait a few more days.
Water deeply, not lightly. Pour water until it drains out the bottom, then empty the saucer to prevent soggy roots.
Adjust by season. Most plants drink less in fall and winter when growth slows.
Factor in the environment. Heat, air conditioning, and bright light can dry out soil quickly—monitor conditions rather than watering on a strict schedule. Err on the side of underwatering. Most houseplants bounce back from too little water, but overwatering can cause permanent damage.
Plant-by-Plant Watering Guide
- Allow soil to dry out fully between waterings; always check by sticking your finger deep into the pot.
- Water every 2–3 weeks during warm months; decrease watering to once a month or less in winter when growth slows.
- Use pots with drainage holes to prevent water from pooling at the bottom.
- Always remove excess water from the saucer after watering to avoid root rot.
- Avoid getting leaves wet frequently, as excess moisture can cause fungal issues.
- If unsure, underwater rather than overwater—snake plants are drought tolerant.
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
- Let the top 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) of soil dry before watering again.
- Frequency may range from once a week to every 10 days, depending on light, temperature, and humidity.
- Water thoroughly until water drains out the bottom of the pot; discard any standing water in the saucer.
- Leaves that droop or curl slightly are early signs of thirst—quickly resolved with a thorough watering.
- Avoid letting the plant sit in soggy soil, which invites root rot and yellow leaves.
- Expect to water less in winter when the plant is less actively growing.
Philodendron
- Check the top inch (2.5 cm) of soil; if it’s dry, it’s time to water.
- Water thoroughly and let excess water drain out; don’t leave the pot in standing water.
- Moderate watering works best—soil should be kept lightly moist, not wet.
- Overwatering causes yellowing leaves, while underwatering causes drooping.
- Increase humidity through light misting, especially in dry climates, but don’t substitute misting for actual watering.
- Reduce watering frequency during fall and winter dormancy.
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
- Keep soil lightly and evenly moist during the growing season (spring/summer).
- Let the top 1 inch of soil dry before the next watering, typically once a week.
- Cut back on watering in winter; allow more time between waterings.
- Always use a container with drainage holes to avoid standing water, which causes root rot.
- Water quality matters—spider plants are sensitive to fluoride and salts; use distilled or filtered water for best growth.
- Avoid letting the plant completely dry out, as the leaf tips will brown.
Aloe Vera
- Allow the potting mix to dry out completely between waterings.
- Water thoroughly but infrequently—every 2–3 weeks in spring/summer, as little as once a month in winter.
- Use a well-draining, sandy succulent or cactus mix to promote quick drying.
- Avoid letting water sit in the rosette of the plant, as this can encourage rot.
- Signs of overwatering include mushy stems or browning at the base; underwatered aloes look shriveled or thin.
- Never let the plant stand in water—empty saucers promptly.
Final Thoughts
Watering houseplants isn’t about sticking to a rigid schedule—it’s about observation and adaptability. Once you learn the cues (like drooping leaves, dry soil, or seasonal changes), you’ll find it much easier to keep your plants happy. So get yourself a watering can and start watering your houseplants today!