As houseplants continue to grow in popularity, they bring more than just beauty to your home—they also offer numerous benefits, including improved air quality and a calming atmosphere. However, one common challenge that plant lovers face is understanding the unique watering needs of different houseplants. Overwatering and underwatering are frequent issues that can stunt growth or even lead to plant death.
This guide covers 20 of the most popular houseplants and provides clear watering instructions to ensure your green companions stay vibrant and healthy.
1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
- Watering Frequency: Every 2-6 weeks.
- Tips: The Snake Plant thrives on neglect. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings to prevent root rot.
2. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
- Watering Frequency: Every 1-2 weeks.
- Tips: Keep the soil lightly moist, but ensure it dries out slightly between waterings.
3. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
- Watering Frequency: Every 1-2 weeks.
- Tips: Pothos prefers to dry out between waterings. They tolerate some underwatering but can’t handle overwatering.
4. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum spp.)
- Watering Frequency: Every 1 week.
- Tips: Keep the soil consistently moist. Peace Lilies will droop slightly when they need water, giving you a visual cue.
5. Monstera (Monstera deliciosa)
- Watering Frequency: Every 1-2 weeks.
- Tips: Let the top inch of soil dry out before the next watering. Monsteras like slightly moist soil.
6. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
- Watering Frequency: Every 2-3 weeks.
- Tips: The ZZ Plant stores water in its rhizomes, making it drought-tolerant. Let it dry out between waterings.
7. Aloe Vera
- Watering Frequency: Every 3 weeks.
- Tips: Aloe Vera requires infrequent watering. Make sure the soil dries completely between waterings.
8. Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
- Watering Frequency: Every 1-2 weeks.
- Tips: Allow the top inch of soil to dry before watering. Avoid waterlogging the plant.
9. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
- Watering Frequency: Every 2-3 days.
- Tips: Boston Ferns love moisture but need well-drained soil to prevent root rot.
10. Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)
- Watering Frequency: Every 2-3 weeks.
- Tips: Jade Plants store water in their leaves and thrive with less frequent watering. Let the soil dry between waterings.
11. Philodendron
- Watering Frequency: Every 1-2 weeks.
- Tips: Allow the soil to dry slightly before watering, but don’t let it dry out completely.
12. English Ivy (Hedera helix)
- Watering Frequency: Every 1-2 weeks.
- Tips: Keep the soil moist, allowing the top layer to dry between waterings.
13. Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata)
- Watering Frequency: Every 1 week.
- Tips: Maintain consistently moist soil, but avoid overwatering as it can cause root rot.
14. African Violet (Saintpaulia)
- Watering Frequency: Every 1 week.
- Tips: African Violets need even moisture. Water when the topsoil feels slightly dry.
15. Calathea
- Watering Frequency: Every 1 week.
- Tips: Calatheas prefer consistently moist soil but are sensitive to water quality—use distilled or rainwater for best results.
16. Dracaena
- Watering Frequency: Every 2-4 weeks.
- Tips: Dracaenas prefer to dry out partially between waterings.
Keep reading to discover “Page 2” of this guide!