How often should you water potted plants during a heat wave?

Potted plants will crisp in the summer heat before you know it. During a heat wave, miss one or two waterings, and you could end up with a graveyard of dead flower pots. Container plants need frequent watering because the roots take up much of the space. The small amount of soil in a pot can only hold so much moisture.

To help your plants survive the summer heat, you need to step up your watering schedule. Find out how often to water container plants during a heat wave and other tips for keeping your potted plants hydrated and healthy this summer.

How Often To Water Plants During A Heat Wave

Many container plants need to be watered every day when the temperature tops 90 degrees. This is especially true for pots sitting in full sun. However, you may notice some plants wilt very quickly while others endure the heat for days. A few different factors play a part in how often you need to water potted plants:

• Small containers hold less soil and dry out quickly. Large containers can hold much more moisture and may not require daily watering.
• Unglazed terracotta pots require frequent watering because moisture evaporates through the clay. Plastic pots tend to conserve moisture and dry out slowly.
• Plants you leave in nursery pots are almost always root-bound and very quick to dry out.
• Drought-tolerant plants and succulents may only require weekly or twice-weekly watering.

Check the soil in each pot rather than assuming they all need to be watered at the same time. Stick your finger or a wooden chopstick in each container. If the top 2 inches of soil are dry, water the plant.

Drooping is another clue it’s time to water, but some flowers and vegetables will wilt in the summer heat even when the soil is wet. You’ll know they’re fine when the leaves perk up in the evening. Don’t water a container with wet soil, which can lead to root rot and kill the plant.

The Best Time And Way To Water

Morning is the best time of day to water your pots. The plants have more opportunity to absorb water before it evaporates from the soil surface. Your plants also have a better chance of withstanding the heat if they are already fully hydrated. If you wait until late in the day, the damage is done, and your plants may not bounce back.

To ensure the entire root ball is hydrated, fully soak the pot until you see water running out of the bottom. Water at the base of plants so you don’t get the foliage wet and promote fungal diseases.

Check on your planters again in the afternoon and water any flowers that have started wilting. If you have a thirsty container that never seems to keep up in the heat, try putting a saucer underneath to capture some water. Potting soil will absorb the water like a sponge over the course of the day.

Finally, if you forget to water your plants in the morning, don’t wait until the next day. Wait too long, and you could end up with a dead plant the following morning.

Watch For Signs Of Overwatering

In the middle of a heat wave, it’s easy to get overzealous about watering. But overwatering is just as dangerous for plants as not watering them enough. A waterlogged pot will smother your plant’s roots, possibly leading to root rot. The early signs of root rot—yellowing, wilting, and dropping leaves—can fool you into thinking the plant needs more water. Unfortunately, more water worsens the disease.

Eventually, the plant can’t absorb enough water through its rotten roots to survive. This is why it’s so important to check soil moisture in every pot before watering your plants.

How To Help Container Plants Survive Extreme Heat

These tips can help potted plants withstand a heat wave:

• Add a thin layer of mulch on top of the soil to conserve moisture.
• If your flowers are struggling in the heat, give them protection from the sun. Move pots to light shade or to a spot that is shady during the afternoon.
• Repot plants that are severely root-bound in a slightly larger container. If you see roots coming out of the base, this is a sign that it’s time to repot.
• Don’t fertilize stressed or damaged plants during a heat wave. Allow the plant to recover and begin actively growing before you use a slow-release fertilizer.

Read the original article on Southern Living