Question
Hi again, Will,

Another question about terms found on generic plant tags...How moist is "evenly moist"?

Thanks for clearing the cloud of confusion.

Michaela

Answer
Hi Michaela,

There is something about dry words on a generic tag or even a website posting that doesn't do justice to defining soil moisture levels. This is an area where experience and practice is important. But I will slog on and do my best to provide some guidelines to help you water your plants more effectively.

The terms, dry, slightly dry, evenly moist, constantly moist, and wet are used frequently to describe how to water a particular plant. I have always found these terms to be too slippery to be useful.

With the exception of a few bog plants, all plants need to dry out some between waterings. This drying process allows air (oxygen) to re-enter the soil and get to the roots. Roots require oxygen just as they require water. But some plants need to dry out more or more frequently than others, based on the natural habitat to which they are adapted. For example, cacti and other succulents have roots that are adapted to drought, but they cannot tolerate constant moisture.

The soil that plants are potted in dries out from the top to the bottom. So the top surface of the soil gets dry long before the center of the rootball gets dry. When I recommend watering a particular plant species, I try to indicate just how far down into the pot the soil should dry before adding water. I think this is more precise than the more commonly used terms.

In general, a plant that needs to be kept dry, should be allowed to dry out at least halfway down into the soil. A plant that needs to stay moist should be watered as soon as the soil surface feels just barely damp. A plant that prefers evenly moist soil does best if the top quarter of the soil dries out in between waterings.

This begs the question, how can I tell when the soil is dry? This is where experience comes in. Generally, dry soil will not hold together when pinched between the fingers, whereas wet or damp soil will. In addition, moist soils turn a lighter shade as they become drier. Finally, wet soil is heavier than dry soil, so that the weight of a plant can sometimes be used to guage the amount of moisture remaining in the soil.

I hope I haven't left your head swimming with all of this dry information about wetness. If you want more information and perhaps some additional clarity, email me a request for my article on watering indoor plants. As usual, I have lots more to say!

If this information has been helpful, please click the Rate Volunteer bar below and enter a rating and nomination for me. I am a volunteer on this site so Ratings are the only compensation I receive for answering plant questions.

Visit my website at  www.HorticulturalHelp.com
  
Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

You can E-mail me directly at: [email protected]