Signs
Of Over Watering
We're probably all aware
of the dangers of underwatering plants. You come back from vacation
to find your plants clearly distressed. The leaves are wilted and
perhaps starting to turn brown around the edges. A little water
will bring them back to life if they're old enough, but younger
plants may not bounce back. Bad plant parent!
Underwatering can be
a problem, but in most cases when your plant is distressed it will
be due to overwatering! Yes, roots need water, but they need oxygen
as well to function properly. Consider this: when was the last time
you saw a tree growing in the middle of a river? Plants that are
consistently overwatered are in danger of developing root or stem
rot, which can affect the overall health of the plant over time.
Compounding the problem
is this: A plant suffering from overwatering may appear to actually
need water. The leaves will wilt and turn yellow, sometimes dropping
off. Someone seeing this might believe that the plant needs water
and add to the problem. But once again, feeling the soil is the
best way to avoid this. When in doubt: Soil + dry = water. Soil
+ wet = don't water.
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