When it's time to water the houseplants again, we usually reach for the watering can automatically. But there are... Another alternative method that more and more plant enthusiasts are discovering is so-called bottom watering. Watering from below. Bottom watering can help you water plants more effectively and avoid common care mistakes. We'll explain how it works and what you should pay attention to in order to optimally water your green companions.
What is bottom watering?
Bottom watering is a watering method where plants absorb water from below. Instead of pouring water onto the soil from above with a watering can, as is usual, the plant is placed in a container of water. The potting mix slowly absorbs water through the drainage holes in the bottom of the pot until the plant is adequately watered. This type of watering mimics the natural water absorption behavior of many plants and ensures that moisture is evenly distributed throughout the root zone. Excess water can be precisely controlled, thus avoiding common watering mistakes.
These are the advantages of bottom pouring.
Watering from below is a bit more time-consuming, but offers the plant several advantages:
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The right amount of water: The substrate only absorbs as much water as it can actually store, thus significantly reducing the risk of overwatering.
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Reduced risk of waterlogging and root rot: Since no water is poured into the pot from above, less excess moisture accumulates in the root area.
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Dry topsoil: The topsoil remains largely dry, which can prevent mold growth and fungus gnats .
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Gentler for sensitive plants: Leaves, stems and sensitive plant parts do not come into contact with water during bottom watering.
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Even moisture distribution: The water is distributed evenly from bottom to top in the substrate and also reaches deep roots.
- Reduced nutrient leaching: Bottom watering results in less nutrient leaching from the substrate.
Watering plants from below – here's how
For bottom watering, all you need is a suitable container, water, and a little patience. It's especially important that the plants have enough time to absorb the water and that hygiene is maintained to prevent the spread of diseases or pests. This can happen if several plants are watered in the same container. Ideally, you should already be checking your plants regularly for pests. To be on the safe side, however, you can use separate trays for bottom watering or change the remaining water after each plant and briefly rinse the container.
1. Remove the plant from the outer pot
To begin bottom watering, remove the plant you want to water from below from its outer pot. It's important that only the inner pot with drainage holes goes into the water, so the soil can absorb the water from below. Set the outer pot aside briefly and check that the drainage holes are clear. If you're using a terracotta pot or a pot with holes in the bottom, you can simply remove it from the saucer and set it aside for the next step.
2. Fill the container with water
Choose a sufficiently large container, such as a bowl or bucket, and fill it about a quarter full with water. Ideally, use soft water at room temperature. If you don't have a suitable container or want to water several plants from below at the same time, you can alternatively use the bathtub or a deep shower. This way, you can water several plants simultaneously and save time.
3. Place the plant in the water.
Carefully place your plant in the container of water. How long the plant should remain in the water during bottom watering depends on its size and the type of potting mix. Generally, about 15 to 20 minutes is sufficient for the soil to become thoroughly saturated. You'll know it's ready when the water level drops, the top layer of soil becomes slightly moist, and the pot feels noticeably heavier.
4. Place the plant back in the outer pot.
Once the soil has absorbed enough water, you can carefully remove the plant from the water bath. Let the inner pot drain briefly so that excess water can escape and prevent waterlogging in the outer pot later. Then you can place the plant back in the outer pot or on the saucer and return it to its usual location.
How long and how often should you perform bottom waterling?
How long a plant should remain in the water during bottom watering depends primarily on its size, the pot material, and the substrate used. In most cases, about 15 to 20 minutes is sufficient for the soil to absorb enough water. Larger plants or very dry substrate may need a little more time, but it's important not to leave the plant in the water unnecessarily long.
There is also no general rule for how often you should perform bottom watering. as water requirements vary depending on the plant, location and season. On average, most houseplants need water about every 7 to 14 days. In summer, when it's warmer and the plants are actively growing, bottom watering may be necessary once a week. In the winter months, however, watering every two to three weeks is sufficient for many plants, as they use less water.
To check if your plant needs water again, you can simply perform the finger test. Insert your finger about two to three centimeters into the soil. If the soil still feels moist or soil sticks to your finger, there is still enough water. If, however, the soil is dry and crumbles easily, you can water your plant again.
These plants are suitable for bottom watering.
Basically, you can water almost all plants from below. Bottom watering is particularly well-suited for plants that prefer a consistent water supply or where watering from above is difficult, such as with dense growth or delicate leaves. Smaller plants also often benefit from this watering technique. Suitable plants include:
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Green plants such as Monstera, Philodendron or Pothos
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Calathea and Maranta species
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Ficus species
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Ferns and grasses
- Succulents
If a plant is already very large, bottom watering is often less suitable. This requires a large container with plenty of water, such as a bathtub. The plant has to be carried there, which can be strenuous depending on its size and weight. Furthermore, it takes longer for the soil in large pots to absorb enough water. In these cases, watering from above is usually the more practical solution.
Targeted watering for healthy plants
Overall, bottom watering is a method you can try depending on the plant and situation to provide your plants with targeted and controlled watering. While not every plant is equally suited to it, this method, when used correctly, can help avoid typical care mistakes. The best approach is to experiment and find out which watering method works best for your plants and your daily routine, ensuring they remain healthy and thrive in the long run.
