So what is bottom watering? And why do experts recommend it? And how often should you do it? Read on for answers. A little background information will make bottom watering a snap. Read on for more information on the benefits of bottom watering. And remember to hydrate your soil too. A little water goes a long way in keeping your cactus healthy! So let’s start!
What Is Bottom Watering?
If you’ve ever wanted to give your cactus some extra moisture you’ve likely wondered what bottom watering is. Bottom watering rehydrates soil that’s hydrophobic allowing moisture to reach the roots. Bottom watering is especially effective with cactus as it prevents excess liquid from draining out the drainage holes. In some cases bottom watering may take longer than top-watering but there are a few advantages to this practice.
Bottom-watering allows plants to soak up moisture from the soil instead of sitting in it. The process requires placing the potted plant in a shallow tub or basin. This way the soil does not become compacted. It should be moist enough to allow the roots to absorb water. Bottom-watering is best for potted plants with drainage holes. However if your plant has a hole in the pot it won’t be as successful.
Bottom-watering is very simple to perform. Fill a large container with filtered or distilled water. Never use tap water as it contains higher levels of chlorine. Allow the planter to sit in the water for around 15 minutes to 20 minutes. If you aren’t sure how to bottom-water a plant read this article and learn more about it. Don’t forget to top-water your plant every once in a while to flush out excess salts and water-soluble nutrients.
Bottom watering allows succulents to stay healthy and safe from overwatering. This method enables water to reach the bottom of the container without over-watering the plant and ensures that the moisture drains away as expected. This method is good for both indoor and outdoor cactus plants. But remember to check the potting mix regularly for dryness so you don’t over-water the plant.
How To Bottom Water Your Cactus Plant
When watering your cactus plant make sure the top third of the soil is completely dry before adding water to it. Watering the cactus from the top can wet the leaves which will encourage bacterial and fungal growth. To water your cactus from the bottom place it in a bowl or sink and let the water slowly soak into the soil. This method will moisten the soil from the bottom up but delay the process of watering for a few days.
The bottom watering method is a more natural way to water cacti than by spraying water. Instead of spraying the soil you simply insert a stick into the potting mix wait for it to feel dry and water the top part of the cactus. If the bottom watering method doesn’t work a snooze action will remind you to water your cactus plant again in two days.
The water level should be adjusted to the plant’s requirements. Cacti tolerate being partially or completely underwater but overwatering can cause problems. Also as water evaporates they benefit from increased air flow so they should be regularly checked. To prevent this keep a bottle or other container near your cactus plant for water. And remember most cacti don’t require much water during the winter months.
To bottom water a cactus plant you must have drainage holes in the pot. Afterward simply remove the soil from the water and let it drip out the excess water. When watering do not allow the soil to sit in water for more than five minutes. If the soil begins to drip it is already moist enough. Soaking the soil for five minutes should be enough.
Why Do Experts Recommend Bottom Watering?
Watering cactus is as simple as adding room-temperature water to the bottom of the pot fertilizer and letting the plant soak for 15 minutes. For larger pots it can be longer. In either case make sure to top-water afterward to flush out excess salts. Experts recommend bottom-watering only for the first two months of a plant’s life or when you notice significant growth.
Cactus do not need to be watered very often but it is recommended to water them at least twice a week. This method can save water and keep them healthier. However it can be difficult to find a proper cactus container. Here are some tips to water succulents:
The easiest way to bottom-water your cactus is to place it in a bowl or sink and pour water over the entire bottom. The water will soak up through the drainage holes and will be absorbed by the roots. The process can take a few days depending on how much moisture the cactus needs. However bottom watering works well in any container for cacti plants.
Bottom watering helps plants stay healthy because it allows excess water to drain away. In this method water does not sit on the roots of the plant for more than five minutes. The plant should have adequate moisture to prevent it from root rot. In this way the soil does not get compacted. However this method may not be for everyone. It is not a substitute for top-watering.
Bottom watering is one of the best ways to keep your cactus healthy. Using a saucer or bucket to hold the planter will allow the water to soak up into the soil without soaking up the top soil. It will also encourage deep rooting. The bottom watering method is ideal for those who do not want their cactus to get damaged. So why do experts recommend bottom watering for cactus?
How Often Should You Water Your Cactus?
It’s important to remember that watering cacti from the bottom does not remove the soil’s salts and minerals. As such you must also water the soil around the cactus so that it remains healthy. A snooze action will remind you to water it again in two days. To find out how much water your cactus needs you can check its soil moisture with a stick.
In the spring just after the soil dries up water your cactus. In the summer you may need to water it daily while indoors you should only water it once a week. If the plant becomes wrinkly or droopy after not receiving enough water it is too long since it last got a drink. If it’s been left too long the roots are not getting enough water and the plant is suffering from rotting roots.
When watering cactus from the bottom it’s important to let the soil dry completely between waterings. You can easily test whether the soil is dry by poking it into the drainage hole. If it’s still wet you can water it again the next time. It will dry up faster when it dries. Then it’s time to plant it.
It is important to monitor the moisture level in the soil when the temperature drops below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Cold weather slows the metabolism of cactus so you will want to monitor the moisture level in the soil. During the winter it’s especially important to monitor its moisture level. Colder temperatures can cause the soil to dry out which is a common problem among indoor cactus.
More Tips For Success
Watering a cactus from the top does not work as well as watering from the bottom. Cacti are not as hardy as you might think and they do not require watering every day. Depending on where they are grown they may not need watering at all. The water that is applied to the top of the plant will not reach the roots and will just trickle to the bottom giving the appearance of adequate watering.
A dripping hose is especially helpful if you are watering an outdoor cactus. Attach the hose to a watering can and drip lukewarm water over the cactus’s root system. Wait two to six hours before you shut the water off. A rain barrel with a hose attachment works just as well. You can also place the cactus in a pot which will have drainage holes. This will allow the soil around the roots to stay moist.
If you don’t have a garden hose consider using a bucket. The water from the bottom will be more concentrated. A watering can from the bottom can be done by placing the plant in the water and letting it rest for 10 minutes. After that remove the plant and manually water the dry tip. Using this technique may also help you propagate the cactus. If you are experiencing problems propagating your cactus read my eBook on how to water your cactus. This ebook will teach you everything you need to know.
A deep soak every two weeks is recommended for both native and non-native cacti. Agaves on the other hand may require weekly watering if the temperature is too high. When watering a cactus from the bottom check its moisture level frequently. An unfinished wooden dowel or a paint stir stick can work well as a moisture tester.
