i have been using less water in the winter, but when i do try and give my plants some water, it seems like the water just beads off the top of the soil becuase it is dry and hard. would it be a good idea to take the plant into the sink and give it a good watering, and also cleaning with the attached sink sprayer? i know plants don't need much water in the winter, and will a good soaking now be enough to last 3 weeks or so? is it bad, or destructive to let the soil dry out to the point that water will just bead off it? some of my plants like wetter soil then others, but with my schedule, its tough to remember when to water what so i usualy do it all at once. suggestions or advice will help me a lot!! Nik
What kind of plants are you talking about? some plants dont like alot of water and some do depending on the plant I think you should soak the plant in water. I dont know how long the water would last because some plants use alot of water and some dont.
As Blake said, plants vary in their water needs. A croton, for example, is going to want more than a cactus. Generally speaking, in winter most plants require less water than in the growing season. However, when you do water, I think that it is a good idea to water thoroughly and less frequently. I keep most of the plants that I set outside in summer in a small room in my basement over winter: while I do throw some incidental water on the thirstier ones (like my crotons and Boston fern) more often, I haul 'em all out and hose them down in the sink every couple of weeks or so. This helps to dissolve and flush the mineral deposits that build up---also washes the leaves, and gives me a chance to closely inspect my plants for any bug or fungus action. I find that soil is like a sponge, in that a moist one will readily absorb water, where a hard dry one will repel it---as you say, the water beads up and rolls off. So, to summarize: in general, yes, I do think it's a good idea to water your plants thoroughly in the sink. Adjust for type of plant and variations in humidity. Keep in mind that small pots and hanging ones are going to dry out faster than big ones, and that there is no substitute for good old-fashioned visual inspection of plant and soil!
are the plants in the same soil they were in when you bought them??? if so, then they are in peat and that gets hard as a rock when it drys out - which may be why you are seeing beading when you water. if they are in peat, then water is not getting to the roots properly (that hard-as-a-rock issue) and you'll need to repot the plants in the type of soil they'd do best in. ideally, this should be done in spring - if you have anything that is looking pretty sad, i'd suggest repotting now. when you do unpot them, you're going to have to remove as much of the peat from the roots as you can - i usually shake off as much as i can and then gently swish the roots in a container of water to remove any bits still clinging to the fine hairs of the roots. then i let them air dry for a bit - sometimes overnight depending on what type of plant - and then repot in proper soil. if you tell us what types of plants you have, we can help with proper soil type.
When soil drys out it often repels water. By adding a little surfactant to the water you can break down the surface tention of the water and it will soak into the soil better. A little dish washing soap added to the water will work. Bob
What sort of drainage is in the potting medium, exposure to heat ducts? need to know plant name, size etc...
thanks for the help. sorry its been a while for my reply. ive taken your suggestions and decided to soak the plants in my sink, also to clean them off now that i have the time
