Watering Indoor Plants in the Czech Republic

Watering is one of the main reasons houseplants fail in apartments. In the Czech Republic, indoor air is often dry in winter because of heating, and in summer rooms can be warm and bright. How often you water should depend on the plant and the conditions, not a fixed schedule.

The Finger Test

A simple and reliable method is the finger test. Push your finger into the soil up to the first knuckle. If it feels dry at that depth, water the plant. If it still feels damp, wait a day or two and check again. This works for most common houseplants and avoids both overwatering and long dry spells.

What Affects Watering in Czech Flats

Light and temperature. Plants in a bright south-facing window or near a radiator use more water. The same plant in a cooler, shadier spot will need less.

Humidity. Kitchens and bathrooms are usually more humid. Living rooms and bedrooms, especially with central heating, are drier. In winter, low humidity can make soil dry out faster on the surface while the bottom of the pot stays wet longer, so always check with the finger test rather than only looking at the top.

Pot type. Terracotta pots let moisture evaporate through the sides, so they dry out faster than plastic or glazed pots. Small pots also dry out more quickly than large ones.

Season. Most houseplants grow less in winter and need less water. Reduce how often you water from autumn until spring, and avoid leaving plants standing in water or in cold, wet soil.

How to Water

Use room-temperature water. Water until it runs out of the drainage holes, then empty the saucer or outer pot so the roots are not sitting in water. If the pot has no drainage, water very sparingly or consider repotting into a pot with holes.

For more on watering houseplants, see Missouri Botanical Garden: How to Water Indoor Plants and Gardeners' World: How to Water House Plants.

Read about best houseplants for apartments and winter care for indoor plants.