Have you ever wondered why some of your plants thrive while others struggle, even when you think you're giving them plenty of love—and water? We've all been there.

Finding the right watering balance can feel confusing, but with a few science-based tips, we can confidently say goodbye to the “too much or too little” watering dilemma.

Understand your plant's natural needs

Before we pick up that watering can, we should first know where our plants come from. Is it a tropical fern that loves constant moisture? Or a succulent from dry deserts that prefers its soil dry between waterings?

Plants from different regions have very different watering needs. A basic rule: know your plant's natural habitat and try to mimic it at home. For example:

• Ferns and calatheas enjoy humid soil and air.

• Cacti and succulents prefer dry spells and dislike soggy roots.

• Many flowering houseplants, like peace lilies, like evenly moist soil.

When we match watering to our plant's nature, we're already on the path to success.

Pay attention to the soil, not the calendar

One common mistake we often make is watering on a fixed schedule. But plants don't follow our calendar—they respond to their environment.

Temperature, humidity, sunlight, and pot size all affect how quickly soil dries. A plant in a sunny window will need water more often than one in a cool corner. So instead of watering every Monday, we should check the soil moisture first.

How do we do this?

• Finger test: Stick a finger about 2 inches into the soil. If it feels dry, it's time to water.

• Moisture meters: A small tool that can show moisture levels more precisely.

Trust the soil, not the date on your calendar.

Choose the right pot and soil

We might not think about it often, but good drainage is key to preventing overwatering. If water sits in the pot too long, roots can rot, which harms the plant.

Here's what helps:

• Use pots with drainage holes at the bottom.

• Use appropriate soil: cactus mix for succulents, light and airy soil for tropicals.

• Avoid leaving standing water in saucers under the pot.

When the pot and soil allow water to flow through properly, it's much easier to avoid the risk of water buildup.

Water deeply, not just on the surface

Sometimes we give plants a quick splash and call it done. But if we don't water deeply enough, only the surface soil gets moist while the roots below stay dry.

Here's a better method:

• Water slowly until it starts to drip from the bottom of the pot.

• Allow extra water to drain completely.

• Empty the saucer after about 15 minutes to avoid standing water.

This way, the entire root zone gets the moisture it needs, encouraging healthy growth.

Adjust with the seasons

Plants grow more in spring and summer, and their water needs increase. But in autumn and winter, most plants enter a resting phase and need less water.

Here's what we can do:

• In warm months: check soil more often and water regularly.

• In cooler months: reduce watering frequency, as plants take up less moisture.

Being mindful of seasonal changes helps us avoid both under- and overwatering.

Listen to plant experts

Many horticulturists and plant experts, including Dr. Leonard Perry from the University of Vermont Extension, recommend this simple guideline: "Water when needed, not by habit."

This means observing the plant, its soil, and its surroundings. Experienced gardeners often say they water with their eyes and fingers—not just with the watering can.

Signs you're watering wrong

How can we tell if we've gone off track? Watch for these clues:

• Overwatering: Yellowing leaves, wilting even when soil is wet, soggy or smelly soil.

• Underwatering: Crispy, brown leaf edges, drooping leaves, very dry soil pulling away from the pot edges.

When we catch these signs early, we can quickly adjust and help our plants recover.

Final thoughts: Let's water smarter together

Watering plants is both an art and a science. The good news is, with just a bit of observation and understanding, we can easily get it right. We hope today's tips help you feel more confident the next time you water your plants.

Now, Lykkers, we'd love to hear from you: what's your biggest plant-watering challenge? Or do you have a great tip to share with fellow plant lovers? Let's grow greener together!