How Often Should You Water Your Plants? A Practical Guide Based on Real Advice

Watering plants may seem like a simple task, but it’s one of the most misunderstood aspects of plant care. Whether you're growing lush indoor foliage, succulents, herbs, or outdoor garden varieties, knowing when and how often to water is crucial for plant health. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while underwatering causes wilting, stress, and poor growth.

In this guide, we compile authentic advice from real gardeners and plant lovers across popular platforms like Reddit, Facebook, gardening forums, and more. These insights come from first-hand experiences—what works, what doesn't, and how to find the right balance for your unique environment.

Why There’s No One-Size-Fits-All Watering Rule

The most common mistake beginners make is relying on a fixed schedule (e.g., once a week). In reality, watering frequency depends on multiple factors:

• Type of plant: Succulents, for example, need less water than tropical foliage.
• Soil type and drainage: Fast-draining mixes dry faster.
• Pot size and material: Terracotta dries faster than plastic.
• Lighting and humidity: Bright, dry environments dry soil more quickly.
• Season and indoor/outdoor location: Plants often need less water in winter.

Rather than relying on a calendar, the best practice is to check the soil moisture. Stick your finger into the top inch or two of soil—if it feels dry, it’s likely time to water.

How to Check If Your Plant Needs Water

Here are a few methods experienced growers recommend:

• Finger test: Insert your finger into the soil up to the second knuckle.
• Lift test: Check the pot's weight—light pots may signal dry soil.
• Moisture meter: A useful tool especially for beginners.
• Leaf observation: Drooping or curling may be signs of dehydration.

Remember: different plants communicate differently. Learning their cues over time is part of the journey.

Tips for Building Your Own Watering Routine

• Group similar plants: Keep high-humidity plants separate from drought-tolerant ones.
• Adjust with seasons: Reduce watering during dormancy (often in winter).
• Track your schedule: Use apps like Planta or simple notes.
• Use proper pots: Drainage holes prevent overwatering.

Final Thoughts

Instead of asking "how often should I water my plants?", the better question might be: "How can I tell when my plant needs water?" With time, observation, and the tips from real plant owners below, you'll develop a rhythm that fits both your plants and your environment.

How Often Should You Water Your Plants? Reddit users' answers:

Reddit – r/houseplants & gardening

·       u/…hcblgh (r/houseplants):

“General rule: only water house plants when they are dry. Check by putting your finger in the soil along the side down to the 2nd knuckle.” Reddit+12Reddit+12Reddit+12Reddit

·       u/hidilyhodilyneighbor (r/houseplants):

“Most do fine on a weekly or biweekly water … However if something seems unhappy with that plan I’ll give it special attention. I don’t water if the plant doesn’t need it, usually I judge by the weight of the pot.” Reddit+1Reddit+1

·       u/Brosambique (r/coolguides):

“Once every week and a half is standard for my potted plants. But it varies based on soil, pot, roots, and airflow/humidity.” Reddit

·       u/missrabbitifyanasty (r/gardening):

“When the temp reaches the 80s or higher I water most often every day or every other day depending on how high into the 80s and above.” joyusgarden.com+12Reddit+12Reddit+12

·       u/zeptillian (r/SoCalGardening):

“You have to water each plant according to its individual needs. … If you are growing outside and it is hot, you may need to water some plants every day.” Reddit+6Reddit+6Reddit+6

·       u/CanadianTuxedoGoose (r/gardening):

“If the soil is still moist a few inches down … they are getting enough water.” Reddit+1bhg.com+1

·       u/Illustrious‑Top8790 (r/portlandgardeners):

“For the summer I water all my plants … every 12 hours, morning and evening…” Reddit

·       u/Sulfura (r/IndoorGarden):

“Water again in about a week, unless the soil is still wet ... then wait a little longer.” Reddit

·       u/SpiritEarth (r/IndoorGarden):

“Most common house plants … water until water drains freely from the pot. … water again in about a week.” Reddit

·       u/Count99dowN (r/coolguides):

“This changes depending on the plant, amount of sunlight … There is no substitute for checking the soil.” Reddit+1Reddit+1

·       Successful‑Oil‑7625 (r/houseplants):

“Schedule for watering plants is silly... Always wait for the individual plants needs... I'm watering most days but not watering all of my plants at the same time.” wikipedia+6Reddit+6Wild Interiors+6

·       hidilyhodilyneighbor (r/houseplants):

“Most do fine on a weekly or biweekly water... I don’t water if the plant doesn’t need it, usually I judge by the weight of the pot.” Reddit

·       moplease1 (r/houseplants):

“This! I use planta in conjunction with a moisture meter.” Reddit

·       LipstickInferno (r/houseplants):

“Strict schedules are not a good idea... casually check them pretty much every day, seeing if the pots feel light...” facebook.com+13Reddit+13Reddit+13

·       Wsofii004W (r/houseplants):

“I have a dwarf sunflower, and the soil needs to be wet constantly... Every 3 days.” dennis7dees.com+11Reddit+11Southern Living+11

·       BreathlessAlpaca (r/houseplants):

“... usually check who's thirsty once or twice a week.” Reddit

·       ontarioparent (r/houseplants):

“Some plants will tolerate a forced schedule... others will die from under or overwatering on a strict regimen.” Reddit

·       PurposelyPissed_Cunt (r/houseplants):

“My rule of thumb is this: stick a finger into the dirt and if there’s soil on it, it doesn’t need water... I mist... bottom chug them about every week and a half, to two weeks.” Reddit

·       Count99dowN (r/coolguides):

“This changes depending on the plant, amount of sunlight... There is no substitute for checking the soil.” Reddit

·       Brosambique (r/coolguides):

“Once every week and a half is standard for my potted plants. But it varies based on soil, pot, roots, and airflow/humidity.” Reddit

·       missrabbitifyanasty (r/gardening):

“When the temp reaches the 80s or higher I water most often every day or every other day...” Reddit

·       CanadianTuxedoGoose (r/gardening):

“If the soil is still moist a few inches down ... they are getting enough water.” Reddit

·       Illustrious‑Top8790 (r/portlandgardeners):

“For the summer I water all my plants … every 12 hours, morning and evening…” Reddit

·       Sulfura (r/IndoorGarden):

“Water again in about a week, unless the soil is still wet ... then wait a little longer.” Reddit

·       SpiritEarth (r/IndoorGarden):

“Most common house plants … water until water drains freely from the pot. … water again in about a week.” Reddit

How Often Should You Water Your Plants? Facebook users' answers:

Facebook (groups)

1.      User (public post):

“A general rule of thumb is to water when the top inch of soil is dry testing with your finger. Indirect lighting is another one.” Southern Living+12Facebook+12Facebook+12Facebook

2.      User (houseplant lovers addicts):

“If not, here’s how I tend to mine. I water her every 8‑9 days with a 1/3 gallon of water. I put a small handful of miracle grow plant food once …” Facebook+7Facebook+7Facebook+7

3.      User (public post):

“There is no one size fits all answer. Whenever the soil is dry. Usually about once a week, but for most things, you don’t want the soil staying …” Facebook

4.      User (plantylife group):

“I water pretty much all my indoor plants once a week, more or less depending on how they look. They are all in a north facing huge window so …” bhg.com+15Facebook+15Facebook+15

5.      User (houseplant lovers addicts):

“Snake and ZZ are sorta like succulents, you only need to water every 2‑3 weeks. Let them dry out and they should perk up. The Ficus might have …” Facebook+6Facebook+6Facebook+6

6.      User (addictedtogardening group):

“Gardening group discusses watering frequency based on weather conditions and plant types. Depends on the weather. Generally every 3 to 5 days.” Facebook+3Facebook+3bhg.com+3

7.      User (pnwgardening group):

“Every other day, daily on really hot days. Water deeply to encourage the roots to go deep. That makes the plants more resilient to heat.” Facebook

8.      User (houseplant lovers addicts):

“I water mine twice a week or as needed also do a bottom water tray every so often these are super easy to propagate by the way also you …” Facebook+6Facebook+6Facebook+6

9.      User (pha.plant.hoarders group):

“I am not exaggerating when I say that I have no choice but to water my plants a minimum of 3 times a day and even 4 times like yesterday and …” Facebook+1Facebook+1

10.  User (houseplantloversaddicts):

“How often du you water your plants? Some People say ones a week other says ones a month. No matter what try they all die.” Facebook

11.  User (houseplantloversaddicts):

“The simple answer is, most non‑succulent plants should be watered when the top 1‑2 inches of soil are dry. There are, of course, many …” Facebook

12.  User (houseplantloversaddicts):

“Normally after long period of sunny days, you need to water your plants more often, almost once a day. Especially if they are in pots. Depends ...” Facebook

13.  User (pha.plant.hoarders):

“Mine take all day for 2‑3 days to get them all watered. Becky Goodwin 💯 agreed! Between when I wake up in the morning and when I go to bed.” Facebook

14.  User (houseplant lovers addicts):

“Outside plants daily in this heat or every other day as needed. Note when ur plant leaves begin to droop.” Facebook

1. Anonymous user in public group:

“Plants shouldn't be on a strict watering schedule, it all depends on which plants you have, how the soil feels, humidity, temp etc etc.” Facebook

Bonus: Expert Guides (not user‑generated but supportive)

• Overwatering leads to root rot and plant stress; specific water needs vary by plant type. The Spruce
• Orchids typically require watering every 1–2 weeks with excellent drainage. The Spruce

How Often Should You Water Your Plants? Gardening Forums  users' answers:

1. Garden.org forum user:

“I do a once a week watering in the summer, then a week and a half to a two week watering in the winter to let the plants rest.” garden.org

1. Anne Miller (Permies.com):

“My Mum suggests watering once a week … Another tip is to have a wooden stick in the compost… test whether it is damp or dry.” permies.com

1. C. Letellier (Permies.com):

“Sansevieria … will sometimes go 6 to 8 weeks … without water before they start to shrivel.” permies.com

4.      Garden.org user (Garden.org forum):

“When my plants are inside, they get watered every weekend, or if it's been really cold, every 2 weeks.” ILGM Forum+3Garden.org+3Garden.org+3

5.      Garden.org user (Garden.org Ask a Question):

“To water properly, plants should be watered until their root zones are entirely damp. It is better to water fewer times per week for longer…” Garden.org

6.      ace4you (ILGM Forum – Water Frequency in Ground):

“Currently, I'm watering once every 4‑5 days, approx. 3‑5 quarts per plant ... after 2‑3 days, sorta dry/slightly moist soil 3‑4 inches down...” ILGM Forum+2ILGM Forum+2ILGM Forum+2

7.      Myfriendis410 (ILGM Forum):

“Over watering ought to be less of a problem outdoors than in. ... provide a couple of days to adequately dry out between waterings you should do fine.” bhg.com+13ILGM Forum+13ILGM Forum+13

8.      1BigFella (ILGM Forum):

“You can get a pretty good idea of the plants state of hydration just by looking at it... checking it at night and then next day tells you a lot.” ILGM Forum

9.      johnnyb1984 (ILGM Forum – Watering Schedule):

“It seems that any search on a definitive watering approach is met with ambiguity ... Don’t water until soil is dry.” ILGM Forum+4ILGM Forum+4Reddit+4

10.  Spiney_norman (ILGM Forum):

“A plant will give off more water in warm room with dry humidity conditions and less under wet humid cool days... Overwatering is keeping the soil wet constantly by watering too often.” ILGM Forum

11.  LearnasUgrow (ILGM Forum):

“You want your soil ... relative moisture content in soil to be 60‑70% saturation at base point. ... Or just run your own experiments to find what works best for you.” ILGM Forum

12.  Bfreezy (ILGM Forum – Question about watering frequency):

“If I water every 24 hours it seems like too much, every 48 seems a little underwatered. 36 seems to be the sweet spot...” ILGM Forum

13.  503KING (ILGM Forum):

“Underwatering will cause more problems than watering before lights out. I let my girls get away ... I have to water 3 hours after the lights come on.” ILGM Forum

14.  bj262003 (ILGM Forum):

“Start picking your pots up and feeling how heavy or light they are. If they’re really light water to overflow. If they’re not really light, don’t water them.” ILGM Forum

15.  ChittyChittyBangin (ILGM Forum):

“I wait till my leaves are droopy then water..” ILGM Forum

16.  Riskguy (ILGM Forum):

“I go by weight of the pot … do not want to get dry in flower. They do start drinking less at the end of flower. In flower, I error towards wet…” ILGM Forum

17.  Daron Williams (Permies.com):

“I often see the advice given that plants need 1 inch of water per week. But this one size fits all advice misses some key points. … The finger test is how I check … If the soil isn’t damp and cool, then your plants should be watered deeply.” permies.com

18.  California Native Plant Society (CNPS forum):

“During the rainy season, you might not have to water at all, but if there's no rainfall after planting, you'll probably have to water 1‑2 times per week during...” cnps.org

Conclusion

• Avoid rigid schedules: rely on plant cues, soil moisture checks, pot weight.

• Adjust by season and climate: summer may require daily watering, winter far less.

•  Know your plant: succulents vs moisture-loving species like calatheas differ.

• Water thoroughly with drainage: allow for bottom-water or soak-through.

Remember: it's easier to correct a slight underwater than root rot from overwatering.