How often should you water indoor plants?

A simple finger test, a weekly routine and the signs of over- and under-watering – so your indoor plants never drown or dry out.

More houseplants die from too much water than too little. The good news: you don't need a strict calendar. You need to check the soil.

The finger test

Push one finger about 2 cm into the soil. If it feels dry, water slowly until water runs out of the drainage hole. If it still feels damp, wait a day or two and check again.

Rough watering guide by plant type

• Succulents and cacti (Echeveria, Aloe Vera, Barrel Cactus): every 2–3 weeks, less in winter.
• Snake Plant: every 2 weeks – it is happy to be forgotten.
• Monstera, Money Plant, Peperomia: about once a week.
• Peace Lily and Areca Palm: twice a week in summer – the Peace Lily droops when it is thirsty.
• Herbs (Basil, Mint) and flowering plants in sun: every 1–2 days in hot weather.

Signs you are over-watering

• Yellow, soft lower leaves
• Soil that never dries out
• A sour smell or tiny flies around the pot
• Brown, mushy roots

Signs you are under-watering

• Crispy brown leaf edges
• Soil pulling away from the side of the pot
• Leaves curling or drooping, then perking up after watering

Always use a pot with a drainage hole. Water sitting at the bottom of a pot is the number one reason roots rot.