Proper watering is essential for healthy plant growth, but overwatering and underwatering are common mistakes, especially among beginner growers. Understanding the signs of both can help you maintain the right moisture balance for your plants.
Signs of Overwatering
Overwatering is harder to fix and can lead to serious problems like root rot. Common symptoms include:
-
Soggy Soil & Excess Moisture: The growing medium stays wet for too long.
-
Limp, Drooping Leaves: Leaves curl downward and appear weak due to reduced oxygen intake.
-
Yellowing Leaves: Overwatering interferes with nutrient uptake, leading to deficiencies.
-
Slow Growth: Excess water stresses the plant and stunts development.
-
Fungal Growth: High moisture can lead to mould issues like powdery mildew.
How to Check: Stick your finger 3-5 cm into the soil—if it still feels moist, wait before watering. If the top layer is dry, it's time to water.
Explore our Hydroponic Growing Media: Coco Coir, Pebbles, Propagation, Rockwool and Soil.
Signs of Underwatering
Underwatering is easier to fix, but still harmful if not addressed. Signs include:
-
Wilting Leaves: Leaves lose turgidity and become soft due to a lack of water pressure.
-
Crispy, Dry Edges: Leaf edges turn brown or yellow, indicating dehydration.
-
Upward Curling Leaves: Especially noticeable in older fan leaves.
-
Slowed Growth: Without enough water, plants prioritise new growth, causing older leaves to dry out.
Factors That Contribute to Underwatering:
-
High temperatures increase water evaporation.
-
Small pots dry out faster than larger containers.
-
Growing media with high perlite or pebble content drains quickly.
How to Maintain the Right Water Balance
Watering requires patience and experimentation. A proper schedule depends on factors like lighting, airflow, nutrients, and humidity. Monitoring soil moisture and adjusting your routine will ensure your plants stay strong and healthy.
Upgrade Your Hydroponic Setup: Shop Hydroponic Watering Systems
Would you like recommendations on the best hydroponic products for your setup? Let us know how we can help!