Sometimes too much of a good thing really is a bad thing. This is definitely true when it comes to overwatering your plants. Obviously, plants need water to survive, but some plants thrive on less water than others. 

While it may be tempting to give your plant a ton to drink, too much water is the leading cause of early plant death. The great thing about plants, however; is that they are excellent communicators. They show warning signs when they are not being treated properly. Let’s discuss the warning signs of overwatering and what you can do to avoid it.

The primary issue with overwatering has to do with the roots. The root of the plant is its lifeline. Without strong roots, the plant can’t take in nutrients and grow. Too much water will cover the roots and make it impossible for them to breathe. The water will also work as a barrier that doesn’t allow any fertilizer to reach the root. Over time, this will lead to root rot. The following are signs that you may be overwatering: 

1. Wilting

Wilting may be something you associate with too little water (and this can certainly be a sign of that!), but the difference will be in the soil. If your soil is moist and yet your plant is wilted then most likely this is because it has too much water. 

2. Yellow leaves

If your leaves are growing slowly and have a yellow tinge, then they are probably taking in too much water. 

3. Tips of leaves turn brown

Brown leaves can be a sign of too little or too much water. The way you can tell the difference is how the leaves feel. If you aren’t watering enough, then the brown leaves will feel dehydrated and crisp. If you are watering too much, then the leaves will be soft and limp.

What you can do

Not all is lost when you have a drowning plant. If your plant is going to survive, it should look considerably better in about a week if you do the following tips: 

1. Move to the shade

Plants in a shaded area use less water. Even if the plant is a sun plant, you should move it from sunlight until the water situation is under control. Once it is stabilized, you can move it back to the sunlight. 

2. Allow the pot to drain

Make sure the pot can drain some of the water out. The idea here is to allow the water to escape as much as possible. You can create holes in the planter or repot the plant altogether. Allowing the plant to remain in standing water will significantly decrease its chances of survival. 

3. Create air pockets 

The plant’s roots need air. You can create air pockets by shifting the pot and tapping it on its side so that the soil ball is loosened. This will allow the roots the opportunity to receive much-needed air that was trapped by water. 

4. Allow the soil to dry

Avoid watering the plant until the ground is dry to the touch. Don’t allow the plant to get too dry as that can also kill it. You can opt to mist the plant if the leaves look brittle even if the soil is still damp. 

Avoid overwatering

1. Know your plants

Make sure that you have an understanding of how much water your particular plant needs. Some plants need soil to be consistently damp while others thrive on a more sporadic watering schedule. If you don’t know, be sure to reach out to a professional who can answer your questions.

2. Water deeper, not more often

Watering deeper into the roots will ensure that the plant is receiving adequate water without having to feel like you need to water each day.

3. Add mulch

Mulch or compost can work as a drainage system for the plants. 

4. Don’t be fooled by a dry surface

The surface of the soil always dries out first. To get an idea of how dry the soil really is, probe the soil and turn over a bit of it. If the underneath is still moist, then the plant does not need water.

5. Prioritize new plants

Young plants generally do require more water than established plants. However, be careful not to overcompensate just because they are the priority. However, young plants do not have a set root and will rely on surface water to thrive.