Watering library
How often to water your houseplant
— a real schedule for 200 species.
Pick a plant for a season-by-season watering schedule, the exact signals that mean it is thirsty, and how to tell over-watering from under-watering for that species. No generic advice — a desert cactus page reads nothing like a fern page, because the schedule is built from each plant's real moisture needs.
Foliage houseplants & succulents
Snake plants, pothos, ZZ plants and the succulent crowd — most want a soak-then-dry rhythm, and overwatering is the number-one killer.
How often to water snake plant
Dracaena trifasciata
When the soil is bone dry, every 2-3 weeks
How often to water dracaena
Dracaena fragrans / marginata
When the top half of the soil is dry, every 10-14 days
How often to water peperomia
Peperomia obtusifolia
When the soil is almost fully dry, every 10-14 days
How often to water zz plant
Zamioculcas zamiifolia
When the soil is completely dry, every 2-3 weeks
How often to water jade plant
Crassula ovata
When the soil is completely dry, every 2-3 weeks
How often to water aloe vera
Aloe barbadensis
When the soil is completely dry, every 2-3 weeks
How often to water cast iron plant
Aspidistra elatior
When the top 3 cm of soil is dry, every 10-14 days
How often to water spider plant
Chlorophytum comosum
When the top 2 cm of soil is dry, every 7-10 days
How often to water string of pearls
Curio rowleyanus (formerly Senecio rowleyanus)
When the soil is completely dry, every 2-3 weeks
How often to water yucca
Yucca elephantipes
When the soil is mostly dry, every 10-14 days
How often to water ponytail palm
Beaucarnea recurvata
When the soil is bone dry, every 2-3 weeks
How often to water english ivy
Hedera helix
When the top 2 cm of soil is dry, every 7-10 days
How often to water wandering dude
Tradescantia zebrina
When the top 2 cm of soil is dry, every 5-7 days
How often to water maidenhair fern
Adiantum raddianum
Keep evenly moist — often every 2-3 days
How often to water staghorn fern
Platycerium bifurcatum
Soak the mount weekly in summer, every 2-3 weeks in winter
How often to water air plant
Tillandsia
Soak weekly for 20-30 minutes
How often to water cacti (general care)
Cactaceae
Soak when the mix is bone dry — roughly every 2-4 weeks in summer
How often to water echeveria
Echeveria
When the soil is bone dry, every 10-14 days in summer
How often to water sedum
Sedum
When the soil is dry, every 10-14 days for potted plants
How often to water haworthia
Haworthiopsis attenuata
When the soil is dry, every 2-3 weeks
How often to water lithops
Lithops
Follow the seasonal cycle, not a schedule
How often to water norfolk island pine
Araucaria heterophylla
When the top 2-3 cm of soil is dry, every 7-10 days
How often to water lucky bamboo
Dracaena sanderiana
Change water every 1-2 weeks if grown hydroponically
How often to water rex begonia
Begonia rex
When the top 1-2 cm of soil is dry, every 5-7 days
How often to water fittonia
Fittonia albivenis
When the top 1 cm of soil is dry, every 3-5 days
How often to water chinese money plant
Pilea peperomioides
When the top 2 cm of soil is dry, every 7-10 days
How often to water weeping fig
Ficus benjamina
When the top 2-3 cm of soil is dry, every 7-10 days
How often to water polka dot plant
Hypoestes phyllostachya
When the top 1-2 cm of soil is dry, every 4-7 days
How often to water dragon tree
Dracaena marginata
When the top half of the soil is dry, every 10-14 days
How often to water corn plant
Dracaena fragrans
When the top half of the soil is dry, every 10-14 days
How often to water sago palm
Cycas revoluta
When the top half of the soil is dry, every 10-14 days
How often to water lady palm
Rhapis excelsa
When the top 2-3 cm of soil is dry, every 7-10 days
How often to water kentia palm
Howea forsteriana
When the top 2-3 cm of soil is dry, every 10-14 days
How often to water majesty palm
Ravenea rivularis
Keep soil consistently moist, every 4-7 days
How often to water fishtail palm
Caryota mitis
When the top 2-3 cm of soil is dry, every 5-7 days
How often to water ming aralia
Polyscias fruticosa
When the top 2-3 cm of soil is dry, every 7-10 days
How often to water sweetheart plant
Hoya kerrii
When soil is dry, every 14-21 days
How often to water wax plant
Hoya carnosa
When the soil is dry, every 10-14 days
How often to water string of hearts
Ceropegia woodii
When soil is dry, every 10-14 days
How often to water string of bananas
Senecio radicans
When soil is dry, every 14 days
How often to water string of dolphins
Senecio peregrinus
When soil is dry, every 10-14 days
How often to water burro's tail
Sedum morganianum
When soil is dry, every 14-21 days
How often to water ficus audrey
Ficus benghalensis
When the top 2-3 cm of soil is dry, every 7-10 days
How often to water lemon button fern
Nephrolepis cordifolia
When the top 1-2 cm of soil is dry, every 4-7 days
How often to water asparagus fern
Asparagus aethiopicus
When the top 2-3 cm of soil is dry, every 7-10 days
How often to water button fern
Pellaea rotundifolia
When the top 2 cm of soil is dry, every 7-10 days
How often to water kimberly queen fern
Nephrolepis obliterata
When the top 2 cm of soil is dry, every 5-7 days
How often to water crocodile fern
Microsorum musifolium
When the top 1-2 cm of soil is dry, every 4-7 days
Tropicals, aroids & ferns
Monsteras, philodendrons and ferns. Aroids want the top inch dry before the next soak; ferns never want to dry out at all.
How often to water monstera
Monstera deliciosa
When the top 2-3 cm of soil is dry, roughly every 7-10 days
How often to water pothos
Epipremnum aureum
When the top half of the soil is dry, every 7-10 days
How often to water fiddle leaf fig
Ficus lyrata
When the top 5 cm of soil is dry, roughly every 7-10 days
How often to water philodendron
Philodendron hederaceum
When the top 3 cm of soil is dry, every 7-10 days
How often to water prayer plant
Maranta leuconeura
When the top 1 cm of soil is just dry, every 4-6 days
How often to water calathea
Calathea (Goeppertia) spp.
When the top 1-2 cm of soil is just dry, every 4-7 days
How often to water chinese evergreen
Aglaonema commutatum
When the top 3 cm of soil is dry, every 7-10 days
How often to water parlor palm
Chamaedorea elegans
When the top 2 cm of soil is dry, every 7-10 days
How often to water rubber plant
Ficus elastica
When the top 3 cm of soil is dry, every 7-10 days
How often to water schefflera
Schefflera arboricola
When the top 3 cm of soil is dry, every 7-10 days
How often to water alocasia
Alocasia macrorrhiza
When the top 2 cm of soil is dry, every 5-7 days
How often to water croton
Codiaeum variegatum
When the top 2 cm of soil is dry, every 5-7 days
How often to water dieffenbachia
Dieffenbachia seguine
When the top 3 cm of soil is dry, every 7-10 days
How often to water areca palm
Dypsis lutescens
When the top 2 cm of soil is dry, every 5-7 days
How often to water elephant ear
Colocasia esculenta
Soil should stay consistently moist during the growing season
How often to water boston fern
Nephrolepis exaltata
When the top 1 cm of soil is just dry, every 3-5 days
How often to water money tree
Pachira aquatica
When the top 3 cm of soil is dry, every 7-14 days
How often to water guzmania
Guzmania lingulata
Keep the central cup filled; water soil weekly
How often to water arrowhead plant
Syngonium podophyllum
When the top 2-3 cm of soil is dry, every 7-10 days
How often to water cordyline
Cordyline fruticosa
When the top 2-3 cm of soil is dry, every 7-10 days
How often to water golden pothos
Epipremnum aureum 'Golden'
When the top 2-3 cm of soil is dry, every 7-10 days
How often to water marble queen pothos
Epipremnum aureum 'Marble Queen'
When the top 2-3 cm of soil is dry, every 7-10 days
How often to water neon pothos
Epipremnum aureum 'Neon'
When the top 2-3 cm of soil is dry, every 7-10 days
How often to water silver pothos
Scindapsus pictus
When the top 2-3 cm of soil is dry, every 7-10 days
How often to water swiss cheese vine
Monstera adansonii
When the top 2-3 cm of soil is dry, every 5-7 days
How often to water philodendron brasil
Philodendron hederaceum 'Brasil'
When the top 2-3 cm of soil is dry, every 7-10 days
How often to water heartleaf philodendron
Philodendron hederaceum
When the top 2-3 cm of soil is dry, every 7-10 days
How often to water philodendron micans
Philodendron hederaceum var. hederaceum
When the top 2-3 cm of soil is dry, every 7-10 days
How often to water tree philodendron
Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum
When the top 2-3 cm of soil is dry, every 7-10 days
How often to water caladium
Caladium bicolor
When the top 1-2 cm of soil is dry, every 4-7 days
How often to water white bird of paradise
Strelitzia nicolai
When the top 3-4 cm of soil is dry, every 7-10 days
How often to water vriesea
Vriesea splendens
Keep central cup filled; water soil weekly
Flowering houseplants
Bloomers drop their buds if you let them dry out hard, and rot if you keep them soggy — steady, even moisture is the goal.
How often to water peace lily
Spathiphyllum wallisii
As soon as the leaves start to droop slightly, usually every 5-7 days
How often to water bird of paradise
Strelitzia reginae
When the top 3 cm of soil is dry, every 7-10 days
How often to water hoya
Hoya carnosa
When the soil is mostly dry, every 10-14 days
How often to water anthurium
Anthurium andraeanum
When the top 3 cm of soil is dry, every 5-7 days
How often to water bromeliad
Bromeliaceae (various genera)
Keep the central cup filled, soil barely moist
How often to water kalanchoe
Kalanchoe blossfeldiana
When the soil is dry, every 10-14 days
How often to water christmas cactus
Schlumbergera bridgesii
When the top 2 cm of soil is dry, every 7-10 days
How often to water african violet
Saintpaulia ionantha
When the top of the soil feels just dry, every 5-7 days
How often to water orchid
Phalaenopsis spp.
Once a week — soak the medium thoroughly, then drain
How often to water cattleya orchid
Cattleya
When the bark mix is nearly dry, every 5-10 days
How often to water dendrobium orchid
Dendrobium
When the bark approaches dryness, every 5-10 days in summer
How often to water lavender
Lavandula angustifolia
When the top of the soil is dry, every 10-14 days
How often to water chamomile
Matricaria chamomilla
When the top of the soil is dry, every 7-10 days
How often to water rose
Rosa
Deep watering once a week, more in heat
How often to water tulip
Tulipa
Water at planting; rely on rainfall after
How often to water daffodil
Narcissus
Rely on rainfall in autumn-spring; keep dry in summer
How often to water hibiscus
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis
Deep watering every 5-7 days, more in heat
How often to water geranium (pelargonium)
Pelargonium × hortorum
When the top of the soil is dry, every 5-10 days
How often to water petunia
Petunia × hybrida
Even moisture — every 1-2 days for hanging baskets in heat
How often to water marigold
Tagetes
When the top of the soil is dry, every 5-7 days
How often to water zinnia
Zinnia elegans
Deep watering once a week
How often to water dahlia
Dahlia pinnata
Deep watering 2-3 times per week, more in heat
How often to water peony
Paeonia
Deep watering once a week in dry spells
How often to water hydrangea
Hydrangea macrophylla
Deep watering 1-2 times per week, more in heat
How often to water sunflower
Helianthus annuus
Deep watering once a week
How often to water clivia
Clivia miniata
When the top 3 cm of soil is dry, roughly every 10-14 days
How often to water coleus
Coleus scutellarioides
When the top 1-2 cm of soil is dry, every 4-7 days
How often to water false shamrock
Oxalis triangularis
When the top 1-2 cm of soil is dry, every 5-7 days
How often to water iris
Iris germanica
Weekly watering during growth
How often to water crocus
Crocus vernus
Natural rainfall
How often to water hyacinth
Hyacinthus orientalis
Weekly watering during growth
How often to water lily of the valley
Convallaria majalis
Weekly watering
How often to water snapdragon
Antirrhinum majus
Weekly watering
How often to water pansy
Viola × wittrockiana
Twice-weekly watering
How often to water impatiens
Impatiens walleriana
Twice-weekly watering
How often to water begonia
Begonia × hortensis
Weekly watering
How often to water flowering coleus
Plectranthus scutellarioides
Twice-weekly watering
How often to water nasturtium
Tropaeolum majus
Weekly watering
How often to water cosmos
Cosmos bipinnatus
Weekly watering
How often to water salvia
Salvia splendens
Weekly watering
How often to water lupine
Lupinus polyphyllus
Weekly watering
How often to water forget-me-not
Myosotis sylvatica
Weekly watering
How often to water sweet pea
Lathyrus odoratus
Weekly deep watering
How often to water hellebore
Helleborus orientalis
Weekly watering until established
How often to water primrose
Primula vulgaris
Weekly watering
Vegetables & fruit
Garden crops want deep, regular soaks measured in inches per week — shallow daily sprinkles grow shallow roots and cracked, bitter produce.
How often to water tomato
Solanum lycopersicum
Deep watering 2-3 times per week, more in heat
How often to water pepper
Capsicum annuum
Deep watering twice a week, allowing the top to dry between
How often to water cucumber
Cucumis sativus
2-3 cm of water per week, ideally as one deep soak
How often to water lettuce
Lactuca sativa
Shallow daily watering — lettuce roots are shallow
How often to water bean
Phaseolus vulgaris
An inch of water per week, more during flowering
How often to water garlic
Allium sativum
About an inch of water per week during active growth
How often to water pea
Pisum sativum
About an inch of water per week, more during pod set
How often to water squash
Cucurbita pepo
2-3 cm of water per week as a deep weekly soak
How often to water carrot
Daucus carota
About an inch of water per week, evenly
How often to water strawberries
Fragaria × ananassa
Even moisture — 2-3 cm per week, more during fruiting
How often to water blueberries
Vaccinium corymbosum
Consistent moisture — 2-3 cm per week, more during fruiting
How often to water raspberries
Rubus idaeus
Deep watering once a week, more during fruiting
How often to water zucchini / courgette
Cucurbita pepo
Deep watering twice a week
How often to water onions
Allium cepa
2-3 cm per week, more during bulb sizing
How often to water spinach
Spinacia oleracea
2-3 cm per week
How often to water kale
Brassica oleracea var. sabellica
2-3 cm per week
How often to water cabbage
Brassica oleracea var. capitata
2-3 cm per week
How often to water broccoli
Brassica oleracea var. italica
2-3 cm per week
How often to water radish
Raphanus sativus
2-3 cm per week
How often to water potato
Solanum tuberosum
Steady moisture, especially during flowering
How often to water lemon tree
Citrus limon
When the top 3-5 cm of soil is dry, every 7-14 days
How often to water avocado
Persea americana
When the top 3-5 cm of soil is dry, every 5-10 days
How often to water pumpkin
Cucurbita pepo
Deep watering twice a week
How often to water butternut squash
Cucurbita moschata
Deep watering twice a week
How often to water acorn squash
Cucurbita pepo
Deep watering twice a week
How often to water spaghetti squash
Cucurbita pepo
Deep watering twice a week
How often to water delicata squash
Cucurbita pepo
Deep watering twice a week
How often to water eggplant / aubergine
Solanum melongena
Deep watering twice a week
How often to water okra
Abelmoschus esculentus
Weekly deep watering
How often to water sweet potato
Ipomoea batatas
Weekly deep watering
How often to water bell pepper
Capsicum annuum
Deep watering twice a week
How often to water jalapeño
Capsicum annuum
Deep watering twice a week
How often to water habanero
Capsicum chinense
Deep watering twice a week
How often to water corn
Zea mays
Deep watering weekly
How often to water pole beans
Phaseolus vulgaris
Deep watering twice a week
How often to water lima beans
Phaseolus lunatus
Deep watering weekly
How often to water snap peas
Pisum sativum
Deep watering weekly
How often to water snow peas
Pisum sativum
Deep watering weekly
How often to water watermelon
Citrullus lanatus
Deep watering twice a week
How often to water cantaloupe
Cucumis melo
Deep watering twice a week
How often to water honeydew melon
Cucumis melo
Deep watering twice a week
How often to water asparagus
Asparagus officinalis
Deep watering weekly during spear season
How often to water rhubarb
Rheum rhabarbarum
Deep watering weekly
How often to water swiss chard
Beta vulgaris subsp. cicla
Weekly deep watering
How often to water beet
Beta vulgaris
Weekly deep watering
How often to water turnip
Brassica rapa
Weekly deep watering
How often to water parsnip
Pastinaca sativa
Weekly deep watering
How often to water brussels sprouts
Brassica oleracea var. gemmifera
Weekly deep watering
How often to water cauliflower
Brassica oleracea var. botrytis
Weekly deep watering
How often to water fennel
Foeniculum vulgare
Weekly deep watering for bulbing types
How often to water arugula / rocket
Eruca sativa
Twice-weekly watering
Culinary herbs
Mediterranean herbs (rosemary, thyme, lavender) want it lean and dry; tender herbs (basil, parsley) wilt the moment they run out.
How often to water basil
Ocimum basilicum
When the top 1 cm of soil is dry, often every 1-2 days in summer
How often to water herb garden
mixed culinary herbs
Depends on the herb
How often to water mint
Mentha
Keep evenly moist
How often to water rosemary
Salvia rosmarinus
When the top 3 cm of soil is dry, roughly every 10-14 days
How often to water thyme
Thymus vulgaris
When the top of the soil is dry, every 10-14 days
How often to water oregano
Origanum vulgare
When the top 2 cm is dry, every 7-10 days
How often to water parsley
Petroselinum crispum
Even moisture — 2-3 cm per week
How often to water cilantro / coriander
Coriandrum sativum
Even moisture — 2-3 cm per week
How often to water sage
Salvia officinalis
When the top of the soil is dry, every 7-14 days
How often to water dill
Anethum graveolens
Twice-weekly watering
How often to water chives
Allium schoenoprasum
Weekly deep watering
How often to water french tarragon
Artemisia dracunculus
Weekly watering
How often to water sweet marjoram
Origanum majorana
Weekly watering
How often to water lemon balm
Melissa officinalis
Weekly watering
How often to water catnip
Nepeta cataria
Weekly watering
How often to water lemon verbena
Aloysia citrodora
Weekly watering
How often to water lemongrass
Cymbopogon citratus
Twice-weekly watering
How often to water stevia
Stevia rebaudiana
Twice-weekly watering
How often to water bay laurel
Laurus nobilis
Weekly watering in pots
How often to water fenugreek
Trigonella foenum-graecum
Twice-weekly watering
How often to water summer savory
Satureja hortensis
Weekly watering
How often to water winter savory
Satureja montana
Weekly watering
How often to water wormwood
Artemisia absinthium
Weekly watering until established
How often to water anise hyssop
Agastache foeniculum
Weekly watering
Still not sure when to water?
Open the Growli app, add your plant, and I'll watch how fast your pot actually dries and factor in the local weather — then tell you the day to water, not a guess. Prefer a one-shot answer? Try the watering calculator.
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