01/25/2024
Being watered is the most consistent input plants need from us. Unless they are outdoors in a rainforest, chances are they need to be watered. But why do they dry out so fast? Here are a few reasons why plants dry out so fast and how to fix it.
💧 Not Watering Enough
Sometimes the problem is as simple as not watering the plants enough. The best way to water is infrequently but deeply. “Infrequently?” you may ask. Kind of. This means the soil should be soaked completely, saturating it from top to bottom, when you do water. Then, enough time should be allowed for the plant to use that water before soaking the soil again.
💧 Soil Not Retaining Water
Whether indoors or out, in a field, or in a pot, the water retention of soil is critical for allowing plants to absorb the water that they need. The best way to improve water retention is to amend the soil. Adding organic matter, such as well-rotted compost or worm castings, can help. One of the easiest ways to help soils prone to quick drying is to mix in some type of water crystal, such as Retain. Retain is cross-linked polyacrylate, bentonite clay, lava rock, and silicates that absorb water and then slowly release it over time. This completely safe and non-toxic material reduces the watering needs of plants by retaining the water that would otherwise drain away as excess. By storing water in the Retain soil amendment, you reduce the amount of water that drains away as excess without overly saturating the soil. This stored water is then released into the soil as needed.
💧 Houseplant Needs Repotting
If it suddenly seems like the houseplant that used to only get dry once a week or less is seeming dry every day, it probably needs to get repotted. Old potting soil retains less water, and, as plants grow, they make more roots to absorb the water. Both of these reasons contribute to plants needing to be watered more frequently.
https://www.trueleafmarket.com/blogs/articles/crack-the-code-end-rapid-soil-drying
