Watering in the Zone - Week 2

To illustrate how little water houseplants use in low light interiors, I'm tracking this Dracaena Janet Craig 'Compacta'. It was a new 4" plant potted into a 2-liter recycled pop bottle planter about 2 weeks ago. No additional water has been added to the plant since then. 

Going into week 3, it has used and/or evaporated only 5.7 ounces of water. Two things to note, the water is fed to the plant from the bottom by capillary action (sub-irrigation). It goes directly to the roots. There is no way you can supply water to a container plant with this kind of precision by gravity feed top watering. 

Read more about watering in the zone. "Listen" to your plants with a scale. Instead of you telling your plants how much water they need, have them tell you precisely how much water they need. 

The so-called benefits of drench and drain watering are a myth, perhaps an intentional hoax. You don't have to take anyone's word for it. Simply do what I did yourself and you'll see with your own eyes. 

When you do, please do everyone a favor by sharing what you've discovered with other people. 

Incidentally, I see all those houseplants in clay pots and saucers (many of them mis-matched) on Flickr. Most of them look rather tacky to my eyes. If you're hung up on clay pots, try this and you'll stop wasting water, your time...and plants. 

Comments

[Rodolphe]

So, when do you think you'll need to add more water? What weight are you looking for and why?

[Greenscaper Bob]

One of the benefits of clear containers is that you can see the soil. Next Monday when I water the plants, I'll look at the soil and make a judgment about the level of moisture. The top ½” or so should be light colored (dry). When I see this “optimum moisture” level, I’ll record the weight. That will become the “base weight” (optimum) in “the zone” (range of moisture).

From there on out it’s a simple matter to add a measured amount of water to restore the “base weight” (optimum moisture level). Watering the plant then becomes a no-brainer. Moisture is regulated by the weight. The scale rules! Does this make sense? If not, ask again. I’m sure others had the same questions you asked.

[Rodolphe]

It makes a lot of sense indeed. Thanks so much for your help. I'll be looking for cheap scales... :)

[Professor]

I know this is not the way to do this, but I have no choice, as my email to you just bounced, and you have no way to contact you on your website. Your trackback URL is not working. I have linked to this page on my weblog, and pinged your site twice, but my link is still not displayed above. Can you fix this?

[Janice]

I am fascinated with your recycled soda bottles concept and using expanded clay pebbles and will give it try myself. One question though, do you provide your plants any type of nutrients when you water? If yes, what kind?

Love this website. Thank you.

[Greenscaper Bob]

Good question Janice. I have been using a constant feed method in my lab for more than 10 years. This is the same practice used by hydroponics growers who refer to the water as the nutrient solution.

I add a diluted amount of fertilizer (nutrients) per gallon of water (1/2 teaspoon of Dyna-Gro per gallon). I have been using Dyna-Gro because of its reputation within the commercial horticulture field.

In suggesting a constant feed method, it is very important to stress that the most important food for container plants (indoor in particular) is adequate light. I can’t stress that enough. Get a digital light meter if you don't have one.