How often should you water a houseplant?

Most houseplants that die early are overwatered, not underwatered. The fix is simple: water when the plant needs it, not on a fixed calendar.

The finger test

Push a finger 2–3 cm into the soil. If it feels dry, water. If it still feels cool and damp, wait a day or two and check again.

Water deeply, then let it drain

• Pour slowly until water runs out of the drainage hole.
• Empty the saucer after 15 minutes. Roots sitting in water rot.
• Never use a pot without a drainage hole for a plant that lives in it.

How the seasons change things

• Summer (March–June): soil dries fast. Check every 2–3 days, especially on sunny balconies.
• Monsoon (June–September): humidity is high and growth is strong, but soil stays wet longer. Water less often than in summer.
• Winter (November–February): most plants slow down. Water roughly half as often.

Signs you are overwatering

Yellow lower leaves, soft or black stems, a sour smell from the soil, or tiny flies around the pot.

Signs you are underwatering

Drooping that recovers within hours of watering, crispy brown leaf edges, or soil pulling away from the sides of the pot.

Easy plants for forgetful waterers

Snake plant, ZZ plant, jade plant and aloe vera store water in their leaves and cope with a missed watering or two.