Table of contents
- recognize waterlogging
- Eliminate waterlogging
- 9 tips to avoid waterlogging
Houseplants in flower pots or balcony plants in tubs have special challenges to overcome due to the limited root space and the small amount of substrate. In addition to the lack of individual nutrients, an excess of water can also pose a threat to potted and tub plants. If the water accumulates and the plant is permanently in the water, rot can occur and lead to the death of the roots.
recognize waterlogging
Waterlogging always occurs when plants in the pot have received too much water and this cannot drain properly. You can quickly tell whether a plant is doing well or not by wilting leaves. If the plant lets its leaves droop, it is usually due to a lack of water. After watering, the leaves quickly straighten up again. If the leaves suddenly turn yellow, close attention needs to be paid, then excess watering may be the culprit. If the leaves are yellow, check the soil in the pot. Is this very wet? Look in the coaster or the planter. Has water accumulated? When you discover these facts, you should act immediately.
Eliminate waterlogging
If you find that your plant is standing in stagnant water, get rid of it as soon as possible. Also observe whether more water flows out of the potting soil and backs up in the saucer. Leave the plant to dry for a few days. Drying off the roots can allow the plant to recover. If you already notice wilted leaves and damage to the plant, check the root ball.
Fungi, which find the best conditions in the moist soil, are responsible for the rotting of the roots. If the entire root ball has rotted, there is no point in repotting. However, if part of the roots are still healthy, it is worth trying to save the plant. Remove the dead roots. Plant the plant in fresh soil and initially refrain from watering.
9 tips to avoid waterlogging
- Watch your plants. Yellow leaves can be a sign of disease, pests, too much or too little water. Get to the bottom of the cause! Pour with finesse! To test, press your finger into the ground. Only water the plant because the top layer of soil is dry. Most plants survive drought better than too much moisture.
- Watch out for the pots! Planters look pretty, but pose a hazard to plants. After all, you don't recognize whether excess water can run out of the flower pot or whether it is accumulating. The danger can be eliminated by raising the flower pot in the cachepot a little. For example, place a stone in the planter and place the flowerpot on top. This way the water can drain off easily.
- Coasters can also prevent the water from running off. Make sure that there is not permanent water in the saucer.
- Pay attention to the location when watering your plants. Plants in warm rooms Potted plants on the balcony or terrace in summer must be given sufficient water. In cool rooms and during the hibernation, the plants should only be watered a little.
- Be sure to loosen the soil in the planter or flower pot from time to time. Just like in beds, potted plants also need loose, well-drained soil. This helps the water evaporate and helps prevent waterlogging.
- Use clay granules instead of potting soil! Clay granules have the ability to store moisture and release it evenly to the plant. This property is successfully used in indoor plants that cannot be watered for a long time. For example in offices and business premises, but also in the private sector, the casting effort is reduced in the long term by using clay granules.
- Pay attention to the drainage! Fill your pot or tub with a layer of coarse gravel. This reduces the risk of too much moisture. Then fill a layer of clay granules in the planter and insert the plant.
- Use automatic irrigation systems! Such systems are available in specialist shops in combination with different types of plant granules. These systems perfectly indicate the moisture requirements of the plant and give every hobby gardener additional security.
- Find a sheltered place in your garden for the potted plants, for example under a canopy. Otherwise, heavy or prolonged rain can result in waterlogging and damage the plant.
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