Watering large, mature indoor plants presents a unique challenge. Since moving a heavy potted tree for routine watering is impractical, the solution lies in adapting the method and the tools. This approach allows for thorough hydration of the root ball while the plant remains in its decorative location.
Managing Runoff and Drainage
When watering a large plant, the goal is to saturate the soil until water flows through the drainage holes, ensuring the entire root system receives moisture. This runoff creates the problem of standing water beneath the pot. To manage this, the plant must sit in an oversized, high-sided drainage saucer that extends well beyond the pot’s base to catch all excess liquid.
It is important to remove the excess water promptly. Allowing the roots to sit in standing water for more than a few hours can lead to root rot, caused by a lack of oxygen in the soil. A simple tool like a turkey baster or a large syringe can suction the water out of the saucer without moving the heavy pot.
Some people place a small, waterproof shim under one side of the saucer to create a slight incline. This allows the runoff to pool neatly toward one edge for easier collection.
Specialized Tools for Overhead Watering
The volume of water required for a large plant makes carrying a traditional watering can repeatedly inefficient. Specialized equipment delivers water directly to the soil surface while the water reservoir remains stationary. Long-spout watering lances or wands are suited for reaching the center of a large container without bending over dense foliage.
For large plants or if the water source is far away, a battery-operated submersible pump offers a solution to the weight problem. This small pump can be dropped into a large bucket and, using an attached hose, delivers a steady stream of water directly to the soil.
A less technical alternative involves connecting a mini coil hose to an indoor faucet using a dual-thread adapter. This lightweight, self-coiling hose provides significant reach without the bulk of a standard garden hose.
Alternative Watering Methods
Bottom Watering
Techniques that fundamentally change the way water is supplied can minimize or eliminate the runoff problem entirely. Bottom watering uses a deep, high-sided tray filled with water, allowing the soil to draw moisture upward through the pot’s drainage holes via capillary action. While this method requires monitoring and refilling the saucer periodically, it ensures the plant only absorbs the water it needs, promoting deep root growth.
Temporary Self-Wicking Systems
This method uses the capillary principle to deliver water slowly. A thick cotton or nylon rope is threaded into the soil, and the other end is placed in a separate water reservoir next to the pot. The rope acts as a wick, slowly delivering water to the soil over several days, making it useful for short trips away from home.
Localized Drip Systems
For long-term, low-effort hydration, localized drip systems are an option. Ceramic watering spikes are porous clay cones inserted into the soil and connected via a small tube to a water container. The ceramic material gradually releases water into the soil as it dries, maintaining a consistent moisture level without the risk of spillage.