Underwatering
Plants under constant drought pressure suffer more from slow decline than sudden collapse. Growth stalls when roots lack moisture. Left unaddressed, such stress erodes cellular function until recovery becomes unlikely.
Quick Diagnosis
Look for wilting or drooping leaves (especially noticeable in pothos and peace lily), dry and crispy leaf edges, and leaves curling inward. A pot that feels unusually light, soil pulling away from the container walls, and slowed growth are additional indicators of underwatering.
Causes
Understanding the root cause is the first step to fixing the problem.
- 1Forgetting to water or watering too infrequently.
- 2Watering too lightly -- only wetting the surface rather than soaking the root zone.
- 3Soil that has become hydrophobic (repels water) after being completely dry for too long.
- 4Hot or dry indoor conditions increasing evaporation.
- 5Rootbound plants whose roots have displaced most of the soil, leaving little to hold moisture.
Treatment Steps
Follow these steps to treat underwatering in your indoor plants.
- 1
Water thoroughly: pour water slowly until it drains from the bottom of the pot.
- 2
For hydrophobic soil, bottom-water by placing the pot in a dish of water for 20-30 minutes, allowing the soil to absorb moisture from below.
- 3
If severely dried out, soak the entire pot in a bucket of water for 15-30 minutes.
- 4
Remove any completely dead, crispy leaves.
- 5
Resume a regular watering schedule, checking soil moisture every few days.
- 6
If the plant is severely rootbound, repot into a slightly larger container with fresh soil.
Prevention Tips
Keep your plants healthy by following these preventive measures.
- Set reminders to check your plants every few days.
- Group plants with similar water needs together for easier care routines.
- Use self-watering pots or watering globes for plants that need consistent moisture.
- Add moisture-retaining amendments like coconut coir to fast-draining mixes.
- Repot rootbound plants so there is adequate soil to hold moisture.
- Monitor plants more closely during summer and when indoor heating is running.