Plant 101: Signs of Overwatering your Indoor Plant (2024)

FAQs

Plant 101: Signs of Overwatering your Indoor Plant? ›

If a plant is overwatered, it will likely develop yellow or brown limp, droopy leaves as opposed to dry, crispy leaves (which are a sign of too little water). Wilting leaves combined with wet soil usually mean that root rot has set in and the roots can no longer absorb water.

If a plant is overwatered, it will likely develop yellow or brown limp, droopy leaves as opposed to dry, crispy leaves (which are a sign of too little water). Wilting leaves combined with wet soil usually mean that root rot has set in and the roots can no longer absorb water.

You'll be able to tell if your plant needs watering by observing the dryness of the soil surface, as well more accurate techniques like poking your finger in the soil and picking pots up to determine their weight. You can also use a moisture sensor to quickly and accurately check soil moisture levels.

The good news is that most plants will bounce back between 7-14 days if they're given proper care (which includes rehydration). If this isn't possible because major damage was done or little healthy root system exists then expect about 2 weeks until improvement can be seen.

🚰 Recognizing Overwatering Symptoms

Yellow leaves and swollen tissues are the plant's way of saying, "I've had enough!" If the soil feels like it's holding more water than a camel's hump, you're overdoing it. Crumbly soil is what you're aiming for, not a texture that reminds you of a soaked sponge. Drainage is key.

If the soil is wet, it's overwatered - if it's dry, it's underwatered. Browning edges: Another symptom that can go both ways. Determine which by feeling the leaf showing browning: if it feels crispy and light, it is underwatered. If it feels soft and limp, it is overwatered.

But what is an inch of water really? To determine this, we have to go back to the basics of geometry to measure area and volume. However, a few measurements will always remain the same. Therefore, an “inch of water” is 0.62 gallons per square foot of garden area.

Additionally, plants that get more sunlight also need to be watered more frequently. As a general rule, Satch says, "the amount of water to use is always about ¼ to ⅓ the pot's volume of water." And if after all that you're still confused, he has a few parting words of wisdom for you: "When in doubt, feel the soil!"

Stunted slow growth accompanied by yellowing leaves is also a symptom. Leaves falling off often accompanies this symptom. If your plants have yellowing leaves and old leaves, as well as new leaves that are falling at the same accelerated rate, you are overwatering.

Should I repot an overwatered plant? ›

If there is nowhere for the water to go, the bottom of the pot can fill with moisture and start to suffocate the roots. If the soil is very sodden, or the pot does not have holes for excess water to escape through, then it is important to repot the plant.

The first step in saving your overwatered plants is to determine how badly they have been affected. If your plants are showing some yellowing but have not yet started to wilt, you can save them by beginning to water them properly. If wilting has started to occur, you will need to work harder in order to save them.

Impatiens growing in garden beds usually need to be watered once a week during dry weather. Plants growing in containers or hanging baskets should be checked frequently and watered when the soil surface is dry.

The first step in saving your overwatered plants is to determine how badly they have been affected. If your plants are showing some yellowing but have not yet started to wilt, you can save them by beginning to water them properly. If wilting has started to occur, you will need to work harder in order to save them.

If you notice soggy, dark or rotting roots, they're a clear sign of overwatering. Gently shake off excess soil and let the plant air out for a few hours. If the potting mix appears overly wet, consider repotting the plant into fresh, well-draining soil.

If the soil feels dry, it's time to water. In the spring and fall and in cooler climates, it might be sufficient to water container plants every two to three days. In the summer and in warm climates, container plants usually require daily watering, unless they are succulents or other drought-tolerant xeriscape plants.

How can you prevent overwatering? The simplest solution is to only ever water your plant when the top two inches of soil feel dry (for cacti and succulents, water when the soil is fully dry). This gives your plants time to drink at a steady pace. Also make sure excess water can drain off.