I bought a hydrometer for a few dollars and it is fantastic. I learn to k=
now my
plants this way without guessing. Some plants need to dry completely befo=
re
watering others like to stay a bit damp and do not like being too dry. I =
test my
plant and water only those who need to be watered.

Fran=E7oise.

JMH wrote:

Hi,

I would like to know what is the best way to water potted, water from t=
he top
(i.e. not african violets, etc.) plants. I have a problem in that eithe=
r the
soil stays too wet, or it dries out too much, both of which are hard on=
the
plants. Drainage is fine, humidity in my apartment varies.
I have watered with a can, most generally every other week. This tends =
to let
soils dry out, but generally stay a bit damp if I stick my finger down =
in the
soil. This causes the top of the soil to get weird though, it is almost=
hard,
and coated, not soft and slightly airy like below the surface. The plan=
ts
grow, some do better than others, but they stay alive. However, I dont =
thik
that my weatering schedule and plan is what is best for keeping plants
indoors.
I am thinking that I should water lightly every other week, and then sp=
ray
the plants and soil with a spray bottle every week, or every half week.=

Is this a good routing for most plants that are kept inside?
Any help would be most appreciated. Thanks

JMH