Five Overwatering Mistakes Beginners Make
The most common ways new plant owners accidentally drown their plants — and the simple fix for each one.
Overwatering isn't one mistake — it's a collection of small habits that together keep the soil too wet for too long. Break these five patterns and your plants will be dramatically healthier.
Key Points
What to Do
Replace your watering schedule with a checking schedule — check the soil, then water only if dry
If your favorite pot has no drainage, use a plastic nursery pot inside it and empty excess water
When repotting, choose a pot only 2 inches wider than the current one
When you water, pour slowly until water exits the drainage hole — then stop completely
If a plant is wilting and the soil is wet, do not water — investigate for root rot instead
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