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The Finger Test: Watering Without the Guesswork

Most houseplants don’t die from neglect. They die from too much love, usually in the form of water.

How to do the finger test

  1. Stick your finger into the soil up to your second knuckle.
  2. Dry? Time to water. Water slowly until it runs out the drainage hole.
  3. Still damp? Check again in a few days.

Good to know

  • Always use a pot with a drainage hole. If your favorite pot doesn’t have one, use it as a cover pot and keep the plant in a plastic nursery pot inside.
  • Plants drink less in winter, so you’ll water less often.
  • Succulents and cacti like to dry out completely between drinks.

Our house potting mixes are made to drain well, which gives you a little extra wiggle room. Online ordering opens soon in our shop.

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