Watering

Most plants should be kept moist, but not super saturated. The soil should be drenched each watering, which means allowing the water to flow out of the container. Therefore, care should be taken when selecting a container. The planter should have drainage holes in the bottom so the excess water is able to drain out. If the plant is being watered through the bottom, remember to remove the plant from the water within an hour or as soon as the surface of the soil is moist. If the plant is left in standing water, damage may occur to the root systems. Tap water is generally safe for houseplants. If the water is softened, an adverse effect may occur. Most softeners contain sodium, which may build up in the soil and eventually become toxic. Another element which may be present in water is fluoride. Fluoride can cause injury in some foliage plants, especially those in the Lilaceae family.

Clay pots are good if one is prone to overwatering. Clay pots are porous, meaning that when the surface of the soil dries, the rest of the soil is also dry. Plants grown in plastic pots will require less watering because they are non-porous and hold water longer. Clay and plastic pots, with drainage holes, are the best containers in which to grow successful plants.