Proper watering is crucial for the health and vitality of your houseplants. While traditional top watering is the most common method, bottom watering has gained popularity in recent years. My goal is to analyze the benefits and drawbacks of bottom watering houseplants to help you choose which method would be best for your plants. Make sure to check the list of plant types that are best suited for bottom watering versus those that prefer traditional top watering at the very bottom of the post!
But first, what is bottom watering? Well that’s a great question, you, from the other side of the screen! Simply put, bottom watering is the process of placing a pot with holes in ¼-1 inch high water. The water will absorb up through the holes in the pot, and the roots will receive (hopefully) the perfect amount of water. Bottom watering can facilitate a mass watering of plants! For example, the plant shop I work for can water 50+ plants by simply filling up 5 trays of water and setting the plants inside! It’s an efficient system that allows us to save time and spend it helping customers and closing sales to ultimately improve our business. Below we will further delve into the specific pros and cons of bottom watering.
Benefits of Bottom Watering Houseplants:
Prevents Overwatering: Bottom watering allows plants to absorb water gradually and helps prevent overwatering. This method minimizes the risk of root rot, a common issue caused by excessive moisture in the soil.
Promotes Root Growth: When plants are watered from the bottom, the roots grow downward in search of water. This process encourages strong and robust root development, making the plants better equipped to absorb nutrients.
Reduces Risk of Fungal Diseases: By keeping the foliage dry, bottom watering minimizes the risk of fungal diseases, such as powdery mildew or leaf spot. This is especially beneficial for plants that are prone to fungal infections.
Convenient for Absentee Gardeners: Bottom watering is a great option for people who travel frequently or have a busy schedule. It allows plants to draw up water as needed, reducing the need for frequent watering.
Drawbacks of Bottom Watering Houseplants:
Difficulty in Monitoring Watering Needs: With bottom watering, it's harder to assess when the plants need water. Unlike top watering, where you can visually inspect the moisture level of the soil, it's not as easy to determine when the roots have absorbed enough water, and if they need to have their bottom watering supplemented with top watering.
Limited Availability of Drainable Pots: Not all pots are suitable for bottom watering. Containers without drainage holes or those with sealed saucers may lead to water accumulation, risking root rot. It's essential to use pots with plenty of hole in the bottom to ensure proper drainage, and to limit sitting water in the bottom of the pot.
Challenging for Some Plant Types: Certain plants, especially those that prefer drier conditions or have shallow root systems, are not well-suited for bottom watering. These plants require occasional top watering to maintain optimal growth. See the list below for which plants thrive in bottom watering enviroments, and which you should stick to top watering!
Best Houseplants for Bottom Watering:
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Snake Plant (Sansevieria spp.)
ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum spp.)
Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema spp.)
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Philodendron (Philodendron spp.)
Best Houseplants for Top Watering:
Succulents and Cacti (e.g., Echeveria, Aloe vera)
Orchids (e.g., Phalaenopsis, Cattleya)
Herbs (e.g., Basil, Rosemary)
Plants that thrive in arid conditions (e.g., Desert Rose, Ponytail Palm)
Plants that require frequent watering (e.g., Boston Fern, Calathea)
Bottom watering offers several benefits, including preventing overwatering and promoting root system expansion. Just be careful you are only bottom watering when it will benefeit your plant!
Picture Credit: Jacqui Miller from Stocksy
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