Realized I was killing my plants by watering them on a schedule instead of checking the soil first

Had this big fern on my shelf for like two years. It was always kinda sad looking, droopy leaves, some yellowing. I was watering it every Sunday like clockwork. Then my neighbor came over and saw me and just laughed. She grabbed a chopstick, stuck it in the dirt, pulled it out and said 'see this dirt stuck to it? that means the soil is still wet. you're drowning it.' I felt so dumb. She told me to only water when the top inch of soil is actually dry. Now I check with my finger or a stick before pouring anything. That fern is finally perking up after a month. Anyone else have a plant care habit they had to unlearn?

2 comments

2 Comments

smith.anna1mo ago

Oh dang, you're supposed to check the soil? I've been killing my succulents the same way.

nancy8171mo ago

Checking the soil is actually the BIGGEST lifesaver for succulents. If you stick your finger in about an inch deep and it feels damp at all, just walk away and don't water it. A cheap moisture meter from the garden center can also take the guesswork out completely.