As days lengthen, your houseplants will start putting on new growth, signaling the start of the growing season. This means you might want to:
- repot them into a larger size container
- resume fertilizing them
- begin increasing slowly the amount of water you give them
Remember: Never let potted plants sit in water-filled saucers. The water saturating the soil in the pots will prevent oxygen from reaching their roots, increasing the danger of root suffocation and root rot. Always dump out collected water from beneath your pots as soon as you notice it.
Here are some more reasons to NOT leave water in the saucer:
Root rot: When a potted plant sits in water for an extended period, the soil becomes waterlogged and the roots can begin to rot. This can lead to a lack of oxygen in the soil, which can ultimately kill the plant.
Fungal growth: Standing water in the saucer can create a humid environment that encourages the growth of fungal diseases, such as powdery mildew and root rot.
Nutrient leaching: Excess water in the saucer can cause the soil to become oversaturated, which can cause nutrients to leach out of the soil and out of reach of the plant’s roots.
Pest infestations: Standing water can also attract pests such as mosquitoes, gnats, and other insects that can become a nuisance and potentially harm the plant.
PAYNE’S TIP: Take a couple strips of wood and place them in the saucer to raise the pot, so it’s not sitting in water.