What is Bottom Watering?
Bottom watering is the process of watering plants from the bottom up, rather than from the top down. This allows your plant and the medium it sits in to absorb as much water as it needs. When watering from the top, the soil doesn’t always get a chance to fully saturate itself. Soaking from the bottom will also help prevent fungus gnats from taking over since the top of the soil won’t get wet.
Bottom watering plants is a simple and effective technique that can help keep your plants healthy and thriving. Here are three easy steps to follow:
1. Fill a container with water:
Choose a container that is large enough to hold your plant’s pot and fill it with water until it reaches about an inch below the top of the pot. I have multiple stashed around the house. You can use mixing bowls from the dollar store, storage totes, and even your bathtub! One of my favorites is a metal pail that I keep outside.
2. Place your plant’s pot in the container:
Make sure that the water level is high enough to reach the bottom of the pot. Allow the plant to sit in the water for about 15-20 minutes for a 6″-8″ pot, or until the soil is saturated. The bigger the pot the longer this will take. Keeping plants in nursery pots makes this so much easier. Placing the nursery pot back into a decorative pot helpt with the next step, draining.
3. Remove the pot and let it drain:
After the soil is fully saturated, remove the pot from the watering container and allow any excess water to drain away. This will prevent water from continuing to drain and pool under the pot in its normal place. A drip tray will help catch any remaining water. Drip trays like these have raised grooves that prevent the pot from sitting in excess water.
Need some help with knowing when to water? Learn more about watering in the second part of 5 Essential Tips for Caring for Houseplants: A Beginner’s Guide. Click the link to jump right to that section.
Have you noticed a change after watering from the bottom of your plants? Leave a comment below sharing your experience. Bottom watering is a great way to keep your plants healthy and happy. If you haven’t already, give it a try and see the difference it can make!