Pros & Cons of Bottom-Watering Your Plants

by Ann Hayward 06/26/2022

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

Ann Hayward

Born in Philadelphia and raised in the suburbs, Ann Hayward got her Pennsylvania real estate license at age 18 even before going to college. This second-generation real estate professional followed in the footsteps of her father and two uncles, inheriting their passion for the business. Licensed in DC, Maryland and Virginia, Ann is accomplished in her career, with numerous designations including SFR, SRES, PSA, WHC, and multiunit Housing Development Finance Professional (HDFP) from the National Development Council. She specializes in Prince Georges and Montgomery Counties, Northern Virginia and Washington, DC, all jurisdictions where Ann has lived and knows very well. In addition to her professional expertise, she owns and manages personal investment property, understands and has been involved in the renovation/remodeling process, and has great resources which she shares with clients. When you hire Ann to represent you, she will make your buying or selling experience an enjoyable, rewarding one. Her compassion, sensitivity to her clients’ needs, eye for detail, and ability to see the big picture when guiding you through a purchase or sale are unique assets that will ensure your success. A diverse and relevant background also gives Ann a distinct edge. For 30 years, she worked in fast-paced, high-pressure television and theatrical production, attaining the highest achievement – DGA membership as a Director, and as an award-winning staff and freelance writer. Her keen audio visual skills and design sense benefit sellers in marketing their properties, and are invaluable in helping buyers see the potential of space. A true renaissance woman, Ann was also an income tax professional and office manager for H&R Block, so she thoroughly understands the tax and financial implications of acquiring and selling real estate. Her superior organizational skills are further evidenced as owner of a downsizing/professional organizing business, Managed For You, which allows her to connect with everyone from millennials to boomers and seniors, whether for small space planning or assisting with major decluttering and transitioning. Ann holds an AB in American History from Simmons College, Boston, plus attended Robert Wagner Graduate School of Public Administration where she was a candidate for Doctorate. She additionally studied Film Direction at the American Film Institute in LA, and was a Stanford University post-graduate Professional Journalism Fellow. Personally, Ann is an avid if not very good golfer, and the co-founder of a nonprofit 501c3 organization offering educational guidance, tutoring and counseling for youngsters from elementary school through college admission. She sits on the board of trustees of a nonprofit educational film production corporation as well. (202) 494-6252 [email protected]