Get a realistic check-in interval for your plant, then learn to read the soil. Extension services advise watering when the soil is dry, not by the calendar, so this tells you when to check, not when to pour.
Your plant
Water when the soil reaches this point
Why this interval
Each factor speeds up or slows down drying, starting from a plant in a 6 inch plastic pot with standard potting mix and bright, indirect light. The multipliers are rules of thumb, so adjust by what your soil actually does.
How the interval shifts through the year
Plants grow slowly in short winter days, use less water, and the soil stays wet longer.
Reading soil moisture
Push a finger about an inch into the mix. When you do water, pour slowly until water runs out of the bottom holes, then empty the saucer within an hour. Light, frequent sips lead to shallow roots. Moisture meters are a rough guide, so confirm with your finger.
Plant-by-plant guides
Tools that help
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