How Often and How Much You Should Water Your Houseplants

Watering is one of the simplest yet most misunderstood parts of houseplant care. It’s not just about pouring water and hoping for the best — it’s about timing, observation, and understanding how different plants respond to moisture. At Happy Houseplants, we want to take the guesswork out of it, so here’s everything you need to know to get watering right.

What happens when you water a plant?

Water plays a vital role in keeping your plants healthy. It helps maintain structure (plants wilt when they’re thirsty because their cells deflate), supports temperature regulation, and allows nutrients to travel through the plant. When you water, you also trigger transpiration — a natural process where moisture evaporates from the leaves, pulling fresh water up through the roots.

If your plant can’t draw water from the roots, it starts taking it from the leaves — which leads to drooping, curling, or crisping. All of this starts with the soil, so knowing when to water is key.

How often should you water houseplants?

Different plants have different needs. One of the easiest ways to work it out is to think about where your plant comes from in the wild.

• Succulents and cacti are adapted to hot, dry environments. They store water in their fleshy leaves and stems and prefer soil that dries out completely between waterings. Only water them once the compost is completely dry and wait a good week or two before going again.

• Tropical plants like the Monstera deliciosa are used to regular rainfall and humid air. These will enjoy weekly watering, or slightly more in warmer conditions.

No matter the plant, always check the soil first. Use your finger to test the top few centimetres. If it’s still moist, hold off. If it’s dry, it’s time to water.

How much water should you use?

Soil acts like a sponge. The more soil there is, the longer it will hold moisture. This means:

• Plants in small pots dry out quickly and may need watering more often.

• Plants in larger pots retain moisture longer and don’t need as frequent checks.

A good rule of thumb is to water until the soil is fully moist but not soggy. For pots with drainage holes, water until it runs out the bottom, let the plant soak up any extra from the saucer for 15–30 minutes, then tip away the rest. For pots without drainage, water carefully — aim for no more than a quarter of the pot’s volume.

How to water properly

1. Use room-temperature water. Cold water can shock roots.

2. Let tap water sit overnight if possible — this allows chlorine to evaporate.

3. Water slowly and evenly around the base of the plant.

4. Avoid splashing water on the leaves unless you're caring for epiphytes like air plants.

5. Always check soil moisture before watering again.

Should you follow a watering schedule?

Not really. While it’s helpful to have a weekly check-in routine, watering to a fixed schedule can cause more harm than good. Plants don’t need water on a calendar — they need it when their soil tells you. If you stick rigidly to watering every Sunday, you risk overwatering some plants and underwatering others.

Instead, use that check-in time to see which plants actually need water. Observe the soil, the leaves, and the weight of the pot. A thirsty plant will show you signs — and dry soil is your biggest clue.

How do seasons affect watering needs?

In summer, when the light is stronger and the days are longer, most plants grow faster and dry out quicker. You might find:

• Tropical plants need water once or even twice a week.

• Succulents and cacti that needed water once a month in winter now need it every 7–10 days.

In winter, the reverse is true. With less light and lower temperatures, plants slow down and use less water. Always adjust your watering frequency to the season.

Extra tips for better watering

• Use warm or tepid water for better absorption.

• Avoid letting water sit on tropical leaves — it can lead to rot or fungal issues.

• Use a moisture meter if you're unsure when to water, or stick to the reliable finger test.

• Keep an eye on plant placement — plants in bright light will dry out faster than those in shady corners.

• If you’re ever in doubt, it’s safer to under‑water than over‑water. You can always add water later.

Still unsure? We’ve got you covered

If watering has tripped you up in the past, you’re not alone. Our guide How Not to Kill Your Houseplants goes into more detail on watering, light, and soil health.

And if you're feeding your plants too, make sure you're using the right product. Try our best-sellers:

• Original Vegan Plant Food – gentle, organic and easy to use.

• Vegan Cactus & Succulent Food – formulated specifically for low-water plants.

Explore more care tips
Want to know more about feeding, repotting or choosing the right compost? Read our Houseplant Blog — the UK’s number one resource for houseplant lovers.