Bottom Watering Plants is a watering method for houseplants and some trees in which the roots of the plant are watered from the bottom instead of from the top. This watering method has become popular among gardeners, especially those who are very busy and cannot afford to water their plants frequently. Watering from below is an effective way to keep plants healthy and hydrated without over-watering or under-watering. Of course, in this watering model, water will not be poured on the leaves, reducing the houseplants disease in the plant and increasing the growth of houseplants. Stay with us at thehplant.com to explain all the important points about watering the houseplant from below.
How do you bottom water?
When you water a plant from above, the water tends to flow quickly through the soil and will often only partially wet the roots and not completely quench the thirst unless you submerge the plant for a long time; this will require a lot of water . Also, watering from above will eventually lead to root rot, mushroom growth and other houseplants problems that can harm the plant’s health. On the other hand, watering from the bottom causes water to be absorbed by the roots from the bottom up, which promotes healthy root growth and prevents waterlogging of the plant soil.
To water your plants from below, you should fill a container or tray with water and place the plant pot on it. The plant roots absorb water through the pot’s drainage holes. The amount of water required and the duration of watering varies depending on the size and type of plant. When the soil’s surface is wet, water the plant from the container.
What are the benefits of bottom watering pots?
The first question that comes to you is why we should use this method to water our plants. Make sure to read the content in our website about how to water houseplants; now let’s go to the main story, the benefits of bottom watering houseplants:
- Preventing overwatering of plants: overwatering can harm plant health. Bottom watering allows the plant to absorb the water without saturating the soil. And you won’t have to worry about overwatering your plants.
- Preventing underwatering of houseplants: Sometimes, when watering plants from above, water can leave the surface of the bottom of the pot without wetting the roots, and not all parts of your plant will receive water. Watering houseplants from the bottom ensure that water reaches all of the plant’s roots.
- Enhancing plant root growth: Watering down encourages the roots to grow vertically into the soil to reach water, leading to stronger and healthier plant roots.
- Prevents Fungal Growth: Fungal growth occurs when the soil is too wet. Watering from below prevents the soil from getting too wet and reduces the risk of fungus growth.
- Saving water: water is one of the major problems in the world these days; irrigation from the bottom uses less water than irrigation from the top because the water is absorbed directly by the roots and reduces water wastage.
- The watering interval will decrease: in this case, because all parts of the soil will be wet, the time it takes to dry will also increase, and you will have to water the plant with a longer interval, which will help reduce water consumption.
What are the stages of bottom watering houseplants?
The steps of this work are not so difficult, but we will review these steps together:
- Choosing the suitable container: Choose a container or tray that is deep enough to hold enough water for your plant. Make sure the container is clean and free of chemical or fertilizer residues. It is better to wash the container thoroughly with dishwashing liquid before use.
- chosing the proper water: choosing the best water for indoor plant is also important, get comprehensive information about this in a separate article.
- Fill the container with water: Now, fill the container with enough water to cover your pot by 1/3.
- Placing the plant pot on top of the container: Place the plant pot on the container and make sure the drainage holes are in contact with the water. You can use a saucer or tray to lift the pot if needed.
- Wait for the plant to absorb water: Depending on the size and type of plant, allow your pot to absorb water for 30 minutes to an hour.
- Remove the pot from the container: After the plant has received the required amount of water, remove the pot from the container and allow the excess water to drain for a few minutes before placing it. Then, move it to the original location.
You can efficiently water your plants from below. At the same time, a clay pot is one of the best options for watering houseplants from below.
Which plants like bottom watering?
In general, many plants can be watered from below, but it is important to note that some plants are unsuitable for this method. Here are some examples of plants that are suitable for floor irrigation:
- African violets
- Peace lilies
- Spider plants
- Pothos
- Philodendrons
- Begonias
- Chinese evergreens
- Ferns
- Fittonias
- Marantas
Not all plants like this watering method, and bottom watering can cause their death by absorbing too much water. Be sure to research the type of plant before using this method.
Is soil important in bottom watering houseplants?
Yes, the type of soil used for houseplants is important in watering from below. The soil should be porous enough to absorb water from the bottom up but not so porous that it dries out too quickly. If the soil or growing medium is too dense or compressed, it may not absorb water well, and the plant may need more moisture.
On the other hand, if the soil or growing medium is too loose or sandy, it may not hold enough water for the plant to absorb. Generally, a suitable soil or growing medium for floor irrigation should be well-drained while retaining moisture. The soil should contain a combination of organic and mineral materials such as peat moss, vermiculite, perlite or sand to have good drainage and aeration while maintaining moisture.
Is it better to water plants from above or from below?
Whether it is better to water plants from above or below depends on the needs of your plant and the type of soil or growing medium in which it is planted. Above irrigation is the most common method and involves pouring water directly onto the soil or growing medium using a hose or bottle. This method can be effective for most plants, as it helps to remove salts or minerals accumulated in the soil.
On the other hand, watering from below involves placing the plant in a container full of water that allows the plant to absorb water from the bottom up. This method can be especially useful for sensitive plants where pouring water on leaves, such as African violets plant , can cause problems in the plant.
What are the frequently asked questions about bottom watering houseplants, and write the answer
Here are some frequently asked questions about bottom watering houseplants and their answers:
What is floor irrigation, and how does it work?
Bottom watering involves placing the plant in a tray or saucer of water and allowing it to absorb water from the bottom up. Water is drawn into the soil through capillary action and provides the moisture the roots need.
What kind of plants is suitable for bottom watering?
Many plants are bottom watered, but it is important to check the specific watering conditions of your plant before using this method. Plants that prefer evenly moist soil and have shallow roots are generally good candidates for floor watering.
Can different types of pots be used for bottom watering?
Not all pots are suitable for bottom watering. It is better to use pots with drainage holes to drain excess water from the bottom. Also, saucer pots or trays can collect excess water and prevent surface damage.
What are the benefits of bottom watering?
Bottom watering houseplants can help prevent overwatering and allow the plant to absorb water at its own pace. It can also help in healthy root growth and prevent root rot. You can use this method for watering plants while traveling
What are the disadvantages of bottom watering?
Bottom watering may not be suitable for all plants, and adjusting the container where the water is kept for each plant can be time-consuming. It is also very important to monitor the soil moisture level to avoid over- or watering.