How do I know if a plant is suffering from underwatering?

Even with regular watering, your plants might still suffer from insufficient moisture. That's why it's crucial to recognize the signs of underwatering and take corrective action promptly. Here are some symptoms indicating that your plants lack water:

• Wilting: The plant's leaves start to wilt and lose their turgor. Soft leaves become flaccid and bend downward, while hard leaves dry out and crumble, often starting with the older ones.
• Dry Potting Soil: If the soil in your plant's pot is consistently dry, it may not be receiving enough moisture. However, remember that this sign doesn't always apply to plants like succulents and cacti, which require infrequent watering.
• Flower and Fruit Drop: When a plant has flowers or fruits, they may quickly wither and fall off if it isn't receiving adequate water.
• Yellowing Leaf Edges: In some plants, the edges of the leaves may turn yellow and dry out, indicating a need for more water.

It's essential to understand that most plants benefit from occasional misting, especially in dry air conditions. Be sure to spray your plants or increase the room's humidity to maintain their health.

To prevent soil in your pot from drying out, follow these tips:

• Water your plants regularly and sufficiently.
• Avoid allowing the soil to completely dry out (except for plants that require infrequent watering).
• Prevent surface crusting by regularly loosening the soil.
• When repotting, select a soil mix that retains moisture, often with the addition of sand or vermiculite.

As evident, both overwatering and underwatering can significantly impact your plant's health. To establish an appropriate watering schedule, make use of our Watering Calculator.