On Sat, 15 Nov 2003 16:46:28 -0500, "Bruce W...1"
wrote:

On your garden variety potted plant, say a small ficus tree or whatever,
how much of the water it is given gets evaporated from the top of the
soil?

If substantial, what are good ways to prevent this?

With indoor pot-plants, a much greater cause of problems is
overwatering and standing water, which causes root-rot and encourages
a variety of fungus diseases.

The popular 'Weeping Fig' (ficus benjamina) prefers "evenly moist"
soil, high humidity, and warm temperatures (65-85F). Letting the soil
dry out slightly (to a depth of 1/2" or so) between waterings is
recommended. This is true of many 'indoor plants' -- they need water,
but not sog.

If you are seeking "easy care" solutions to watering chores, there are
many commercial and home-brew solutions involving reservoirs and
wicks. IMHO, it's easier to just water plants as needed.