Overwatering vs Underwatering: How to Tell the Difference
Overwatered plants usually have wet soil, soft yellowing leaves, and sometimes a sour smell, while underwatered plants have dry soil and crispy, curling leaves. Because both can cause drooping, the soil and the feel of the leaves are what tell them apart.
What are the signs of overwatering?
- Soil that stays wet for days, or a pot that feels heavy
- Yellow leaves that feel soft, especially older, lower ones
- Drooping even though the soil is wet
- A sour or musty smell from the soil
- Mushy stems near the base, or fungus gnats around the pot
- In serious cases, dark, soft roots (root rot)
What are the signs of underwatering?
- Soil that is dry all the way down and may pull away from the pot’s edges
- Crispy, brown leaf tips and edges
- Leaves that curl, wrinkle, or look deflated
- Drooping that improves within hours after watering
- Slow or stalled growth
Why do both cause drooping?
Roots that are rotting from too much water cannot take up water, so the plant wilts even in wet soil. Roots that have no water to take up also cause wilting. That is why “the plant is drooping, so I’ll water it” sometimes makes things worse.
What is the fastest way to check?
Push a finger two inches into the soil. Wet and cool suggests overwatering. Dry and dusty suggests underwatering. If you are still unsure, lift the pot and compare its weight to how it feels right after a proper watering.
What should I do about each?
For underwatering, water thoroughly until it drains, and if the soil has become hard and water runs straight off, soak the pot in a basin for 20 to 30 minutes. For overwatering, stop watering, let the soil dry, and check the roots if the plant does not recover. Our guide on saving an overwatered plant walks through it.
If you are unsure what a plant is telling you, a photo health check in Plantorbia can give a first read on what is likely wrong, and it says so when it needs a clearer photo.
Related reading: How often should you water indoor plants?, How to tell if a plant has root rot
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