Over & Underwatering 101

Overwatering happens when roots are sitting in more moisture than they can handle. Without access to oxygen, they start to rot—leading to a cascade of visible problems up top. Here's what to look for:

• Yellowing leaves – Too much water suffocates the roots and prevents nutrient uptake, causing leaves to yellow.

• Mushy stems – Waterlogged roots start to break down and send rot upward into the stems.

• Drooping leaves despite wet soil – This can feel confusing, but it’s a sign the roots are no longer functioning properly.

• Dark spots or translucent patches on leaves – These show up when water pressure bursts plant cells, a result of oversaturation.

• Mold or a sour smell from the soil – Indicates excess moisture and lack of airflow, creating the perfect environment for fungal growth and rot.

Pro tip: Most overwatering issues come from watering too frequently—not too much all at once.

If you suspect overwatering, take action ASAP to stop the damage from spreading:

• Pause watering immediately. Give the plant time to use up excess moisture and let the soil dry out.

• Check your pot’s drainage. If your pot doesn't have drainage holes, water has nowhere to go—leading to root rot fast.

• Inspect the roots. Gently remove the plant from its pot and check the root system. Trim away any mushy, brown, or smelly roots using clean shears.

• Repot in fresh, well-draining soil. Use something like our Dirt Bag potting mix to help prevent soggy soil in the future. Consider a terra cotta pot too—it absorbs excess moisture and helps soil dry more evenly.

• Water only when needed. Let at least the top inch of soil dry out before watering again. Use your finger, a chopstick, or a moisture meter to test it.

Underwatering happens when plants don’t get enough moisture to perform basic functions like transporting nutrients or maintaining structure. These signs often show up fast:

• Crispy, brown edges on leaves – Leaf tissue dies off when the plant doesn’t have enough water to support it.

• Bone-dry soil pulling away from the pot – This means the soil has dried out completely, shrinking and creating air gaps.

• Drooping or shriveled leaves and stems – Without water pressure (called turgor), cells collapse, making the plant look wilted.

• Leaves falling off – Some plants shed leaves to conserve energy when they’re too dry.

• Quick bounce-back after watering – A sign that your plant was desperate for hydration.

• Slow or stunted growth – Without water, your plant can’t take in nutrients or photosynthesize effectively.

Good news: underwatered plants are often easier to revive than overwatered ones.

• Give a deep, thorough watering. Soak the soil until water runs from the drainage holes—this ensures the entire root ball gets moisture.

• Try bottom watering. If the soil is so dry it repels water, place the pot in a tray of water for 30–60 minutes. The plant will absorb moisture from below, rehydrating the root zone gradually.

• Establish a watering schedule. Check your plant’s soil regularly and build a routine that works for your home’s light and humidity levels.

• Adjust for conditions. Bright, warm rooms dry out soil faster. Plants in those spots will likely need more frequent watering.

• Match care to the plant. Some houseplants, like Calatheas, need consistently moist soil. Others, like snake plants, prefer to dry out completely between waterings.

Preventing watering issues is all about setting up the right conditions and paying attention to your plant’s signals. Here’s how to keep things on track:

• Know your plant’s needs. Do a quick check on your plant’s natural environment. Succulents and cacti thrive in dry conditions. Tropical plants like ferns or Calatheas prefer steady moisture.

• Check before you water. Stick your finger a couple inches into the soil. If it’s dry down there, it’s time to water. Not sure? Use a moisture meter for more accuracy.

• Adjust with the seasons. Most plants need less water in winter and more during their active growing seasons in spring and summer.

• Use the right setup. Make sure your pot has drainage holes, and pick a soil blend suited to your plant. Heavy soils hold too much water and can cause rot. A well-draining mix like Dirt Bag works great for most indoor plants.

• Be consistent, but flexible. A routine helps, but don’t stick to it blindly. If your plant looks thirsty (or too wet), adjust based on what you see.