Watering seems like a simple concept, but it is one of the easiest things to screw up when caring for plants. Overwatering can be just as harmful to plant health as underwatering and the symptoms often look the same.

Of course water needs are dependent on plant type, but there is one rule that has served me well, you have to stick your finger in the soil and only water if it feels dry. It’s that simple. Yes, your finger will get dirty, but it’s really the only fool-proof way to know if a plant needs it. Don’t be tempted to water a little if the soil is wet; your plants are better off drying out a little than sitting in soggy soil.

So, how often should you water your containers? Well, it depends.

Location, temperature, container material, and plant type all play into the answer. Outdoor containers will require more frequent attention than those indoors. In the heat of summer you will probably need to water every day, especially if the container is in full sun. Hanging baskets may even need watered twice on hot days. Keep an extra close eye on hanging baskets with fibrous liners, because they dry out much faster than the plastic versions. Terra cotta containers will also dry out faster than containers made of less porous materials.

Watering Succulents

There are of course exceptions to this rule, like succulents (includes cacti), which have to stay on the dry side. I am a notorious succulent killer due to overwatering, but I have shown signs of improvement in recent years. I would prefer not to advise on this subject, as I am still figuring it out myself. However, I can say this, if you tend to forget to water and have a sunny window or porch, succulents are for you.

Watering Indoor Plants

Indoor containers can typically go a week in between watering. I have pretty much gotten to know my houseplant’s preferences, either that or they have adapted to my once a week schedule, but for the handful of interior accounts I maintain at work (plants in bank lobbies, dentist office, etc.), I still stick my finger in the pot every week to feel for moisture. I am consistently surprised at how long certain plants will go before they dry out enough to water again. My indoor succulents seem okay with a little water once a week in summer, but in the fall I taper it down to every other week and then to every three weeks until spring.

Self-Irrigating Containers

Finally, if you don’t have the time or aren’t confident in your watering skills, there are some pretty great self-irrigating containers out there. These contain water reservoirs that wick water to the plants roots as needed. You will probably have to check the levels once a week in these containers. Certain plants that like to stay on the dry side (for example Geraniums and succulents), will not do well in self-irrigating containers because the soil tends to stay consistently moist.

Good luck and remember to stick your finger in the soil before you water!