How to determine if the potting soil has dried out
Today, I will introduce some related experience on common knowledge of flower cultivation. Let's find out how to determine if the potting soil has dried out!
Some flowering plants require watering "when dry and wet," while others require "better dry than wet." But how do you know when the potting soil has dried out and master the right amount of watering? Here are several intuitive methods.
The first method is to judge by weight. You can weigh the pot first; if it's light, it means the water is less. Also, tap the pot with a pencil or a stick. If the sound is crisp and pleasant, it indicates that the soil has dried out. If the sound is dull and muffled, it means there is still more moisture in the potting soil, and there's no need to water.
Secondly, you can judge by color. If the surface soil turns white and is lighter in color than the soil below, and feels dry to the touch, it's time to water.
Furthermore, you can check the plant itself. If it lacks water, it will look lifeless, or the leaves will wilt and droop, or even turn brown and crispy. The color will also be less vibrant and lack luster. If it's flowering season, the flowers may also wither and fall off. However, these symptoms are not absolute. Sometimes they are not caused by lack of water alone. Before watering a potted plant, it's best to make some intuitive checks first before deciding whether to water and how much.
How to master the watering principles of "thoroughly wet" and "wet when dry" for potted flowers?
These watering principles are all summarized based on the water-loving habits of flowering trees. For example, for drought-tolerant and flood-averse potted flowers like wintersweet, plum blossoms, hydrangea, dahlias, and geraniums, you should water them according to the "thoroughly wet" principle. Only water when the surface of the potting soil is completely dry. "Thoroughly wet" means not to water "halfway," but to ensure that the soil is wet all the way through. If the roots at the tip do not absorb water, it will affect growth. However, thorough watering does not mean watering through, as frequent leakage can cause excessive loss of nutrients and also affect growth. For flowers that like moisture but are not tolerant of too much water, such as azaleas, camellias, Chinese roses, gardenias,米兰, Heavenly bamboo, hydrangeas, and Chinese evergreens, you should water them according to the "wet when dry" principle. Water when the potting soil turns white and water just enough to make it moist. Do not wait until the soil is completely dry before watering, and do not water excessively. The soil should alternate between dry and wet, neither too dry nor too wet. For water-loving potted flowers like Equisetum, calla lilies, Monstera deliciosa, and Cyperus alternifolius, you should water them according to the "better wet than dry" principle. The soil should always be kept moist and not dehydrated. For conifers and succulents that are drought-tolerant and require less water, you should water them according to the "better dry than wet" principle, only watering when the soil is thoroughly dry, and never letting it become waterlogged.
The above is [] about how to determine if the potting soil has dried out, hoping it is helpful to you!