Houseplants bring life, beauty, and cleaner air to our homes, but one of the biggest challenges for plant lovers is knowing how often to water them. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while underwatering can leave your plants dry and weak. Each plant has unique water needs, and understanding them can make all the difference in keeping your indoor garden thriving.
In this guide, we’ll break down the 20 most popular houseplants and how often they need water, plus some essential watering tips to help you care for them like a pro!
Why Watering Matters: The Key to Healthy Houseplants
Water is essential for plants to absorb nutrients, grow, and stay healthy, but different houseplants have different watering needs. Some thrive in moist soil, while others prefer dry periods between waterings. Factors like humidity, temperature, light, and soil type also affect how much water your plant needs.
To ensure your plants stay lush and vibrant, follow this guide to watering 20 of the most popular houseplants!
The 20 Most Popular Houseplants & Their Watering Needs
1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria) – Water Every 2-3 Weeks
Snake plants are one of the most low-maintenance plants. They thrive on neglect and prefer dry soil, so always let the soil dry out completely between waterings.
2. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) – Water Every 7-10 Days
Pothos is a fast-growing vine that prefers slightly moist soil. Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry. Avoid letting the soil stay soggy.
3. Monstera (Monstera deliciosa) – Water Every 7-10 Days
This trendy tropical plant needs moderate watering. Keep the soil moist but not soggy, and water when the top 2 inches of soil dry out.
4. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) – Water Every 2-3 Weeks
ZZ plants store water in their rhizomes, making them drought-tolerant. Water only when the soil is completely dry.
5. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum) – Water Every 5-7 Days
Peace lilies love consistent moisture, but don’t let them sit in standing water. They will droop when thirsty, signaling that it’s time to water.
6. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum) – Water Every 7-10 Days
Spider plants are hardy and need watering when the top inch of soil is dry. They love humidity, so misting them occasionally helps.
7. Aloe Vera – Water Every 2-3 Weeks
Aloe Vera thrives in dry conditions, so allow the soil to completely dry out before watering again. Overwatering can cause root rot.
8. Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica) – Water Every 1-2 Weeks
Water when the top 2 inches of soil are dry. Rubber plants like consistent moisture but don’t tolerate overwatering.
9. Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata) – Water Every 7-10 Days
These plants are picky! They need even moisture, so water when the top 2 inches of soil dry out. Avoid moving them frequently.
10. Jade Plant (Crassula ovata) – Water Every 2-3 Weeks
Jade plants are succulents that store water in their leaves. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
11. Philodendron – Water Every 7-10 Days
Philodendrons love moist but well-drained soil. Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry.
12. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata) – Water Every 5-7 Days
Boston ferns need high humidity and moist soil. Water frequently and mist regularly to keep them happy.
13. Calathea – Water Every 5-7 Days
These beautiful plants prefer consistent moisture. Use filtered water since they are sensitive to chemicals like chlorine.
14. Dracaena – Water Every 1-2 Weeks
Dracaenas like moderately dry soil. Water when the top 2 inches of soil feel dry, and avoid tap water with fluoride.
15. Begonia – Water Every 7-10 Days
Begonias love moist but well-drained soil. Avoid wetting the leaves to prevent fungal issues.
16. Cactus – Water Every 2-4 Weeks
Cacti thrive in dry conditions and only need water when the soil is completely dry. In winter, reduce watering even more.
17. Orchid (Phalaenopsis) – Water Every 7-10 Days
Orchids prefer indirect watering—soak the roots and let them dry completely before watering again.
18. Lavender – Water Every 2 Weeks
Lavender prefers dry, well-draining soil. Water deeply but infrequently to encourage strong root growth.
19. Chinese Money Plant (Pilea peperomioides) – Water Every 7-10 Days
This plant prefers even moisture, so water when the soil is slightly dry. Avoid letting it dry out completely.
20. Succulents – Water Every 2-3 Weeks
Succulents need minimal water. Let the soil dry completely before watering, and avoid water sitting on the leaves.
Essential Watering Tips for Healthy Houseplants
🌱 Check the Soil – Stick your finger 1-2 inches into the soil. If it’s dry, water; if it’s moist, wait a few days.
💦 Use the Right Water – Some plants are sensitive to tap water chemicals. Filtered or rainwater is best for picky plants like Calathea and Orchids.
☀️ Adjust for Seasons – Plants need less water in winter since they grow slower, and more water in summer when they grow faster.
🌿 Drainage is Key – Always use pots with drainage holes to prevent overwatering and root rot.
🌡️ Watch Humidity Levels – Tropical plants like ferns and peace lilies love humidity, so mist them or use a humidity tray.
Final Thoughts: Keep Your Houseplants Thriving!
Watering houseplants doesn’t have to be complicated—once you understand each plant’s needs, caring for them becomes easy! By following this guide, you’ll ensure your houseplants stay healthy, vibrant, and thriving all year round.
💬 Which houseplant do you struggle with the most? Drop a comment below! 👇