Q: I have thirty five mature azaleas. I give my plants a deep watering at the roots once each week. Is there any value to watering from the top, getting the leaves wet in addition to the root systems?

A: While plants can absorb a small amount of water through their leaves, root absorption is much more effective.

In some situations, watering the leaves on a hot day would relieve them briefly due to the higher humidity. Wet leaves, however, are more susceptible to attacking fungi.

I think you’re doing it exactly right.