Pros & Cons of Bottom-Watering Your Plants

by Jan Kennemer 09/04/2022

Plant owners have likely encountered the term "bottom watering" concerning houseplant care. The method works by watering your plants using the drainage hole at the bottom rather than pouring water in from the top. There are many benefits to bottom watering, but there are also some downsides worth considering. Here is a basic guide to the pros and cons of bottom-watering your plants:

Pros

Avoid Excess Surface Moisture

Some plants benefit from bottom watering because it keeps excess water away from the leaves. Succulents, for example, can wither or mildew if their leaves are exposed to water for too long. Other plants with tender foliage like inch plants and peperomias will also suffer if water is allowed to sit for too long on the leaves. Bottom-watering removes this issue entirely.

Strengthen Roots

Bottom watering can strengthen and encourage root growth. As the moisture saturates the soil through the bottom of the pot, the plant's roots will actively try to get to it. While a slow process, this "reaching" behavior can benefit the plant in the long term and speed up its growth.

Plants Control Their Intake

While it's still possible to overwater from the bottom, it's far less likely to happen as the plant will simply stop absorbing water when it's had enough to drink. The opposite is also true: an extremely dry and thirsty plant will absorb water quickly, which can tell you about its regular water needs.

Cons

Very Slow Process

Bottom-watering takes a long time. For a plant in a standard 6-inch growers pot, you may need to let it sit in water for over 30 minutes depending on the potting mix you use. Some plants are slow drinkers and require an hour or more for adequate watering.

Inconvenient in Small Spaces

You need shallow vessels for your plants to soak in, which can take up precious space. Some plant owners get around this problem by filling the kitchen sink or even the bathtub with water and placing several plants together at once. While efficient for the plants, it's inconvenient for the humans.

Bottom watering is a favorite method of many houseplant owners, but it's certainly not required. Consider these points when deciding how best to water your own plants.

About the Author
Author

Jan Kennemer

Jan will show you how you can live close to Washington, DC – by public transit and/or highway – and still enjoy all the many amenities and friendliness of a quiet community. Jan is a life-long resident of Arlington, Va. So, she is very familiar with northern Virginia …Arlington, Falls Church, Alexandria and close-in Fairfax. She knows where to find those little out-of the-way places where you will still get excellent value and a home that meets your needs. As a Realtor® for over 20 years, Jan has developed a customized system for marketing and selling properties which includes the latest technologies combined with tried and true practices. She has received special training in working with first time buyers, repeat buyers and seniors. She is a certified VHDA trainer and is certified as a Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES©). Jan is also a certified e-Pro. She gets results you want – the best price in the shortest time. Jan is dedicated to helping clients satisfy their needs and wants while providing them with a strong investment for the future. She is readily available to provide explanations and information. She won’t push you into making an uncomfortable choice. Jan helps you to fully understand the transaction, so that you can always make an informed decision based on facts and figures.