Pot management
Another oft repeated question is how to water, how much to water and how often to water, esp for pots.
Watering requirement can vary from plant to plant, from season to season, also from locality to locality ie for same plant in Maharashtra water requirement will vary in hot Rajasthan. There is no uniform rule like water the plants daily or every alternate day or some such ready formula. We need to study and understand each plant’s water requirement and give the same to it. For example, some plants like senseveria, Zee Zee (Zambia), cactus r happy if not watered for days together esp in monsoon or winter.
Also, we need to touch the soil and water only if top 1-2 inch soil is completely dry. If we water when the soil is already wet, it will lead to root rot and untimely death.
Watering in the morning hours is best for plants so that they can absorb the same through the day and withstand the intense heat. This also prevents fungal infection as leaves dry out during the day. Next best option is evening, but afternoon watering is totally avoidable bcos of intense heat and hot water which may burn the roots.
Also, water prefered is preferably rain/well/bore/stp water….municipal water can be avoided bcos of chlorine and other chemical content.
Preferably give a gentle shower to the plants to wash off dust and clear their pores to help them breathe. Water enough for it to reach all parts of root system in the pot, but not overflow leading to drain of good nutrition. Avoid watering on the root ball/right next to the root…water gently all over the pot. Banana peel/onion peel/veg/fruit peels/rice /fruits washed water …all soaked overnight in water will make it nutrition dense.
Again, most tropical plants r dormant in winter as there no new growth and requires minimum water and care to help them sail through the cold.