black thumb...how do I know when/how much to water my plants?

just kita

I think I actually tend to overwater plants...every single one I've ever had has died. I'm having family come to visit in a couple of weeks and want my tiny balcony to look nice with live plants.

I just bought a boston fern, some mystery hanging flower plant (thick leaves and tiny white flowers) and some silver leaf plants. I have some of those glass watering blubs...should I used them with the fern and flowering plant or water directly? I was going to put the silver leaf plants into a strawberry plants I have, so the water bulb won't work in that container.

 Any advice is greatly appreciated! I'm worried I will not be able to keep these things alive until my family comes.

 

 

~NB~

Plants should be watered as needed.

I'm sorry, but there just is no across-the-board, one-size-fits-all correct answer. I know everyone is looking for one, but all plants are different. All soils are different, sun and wind exposures are all different. There are simply too many factors that go into correct watering to have ONE rule here.

You have pay attention. You have to engage your senses. You have to FEEL the soil and closely observe the plants for clues. You should also make some effort to find out what kind of plant you have, and learn more about it's needs, the same way you would if you brought home a pet, or a newborn child.

And water globes are worthless. The water will not infiltrate through the soil evenly, it will just wet one small spot where it empties.

alliapistor

I usually pour water into the pot until it comes out the bottom.  Then you'll need to feel it each day and do it again when the soil feels dry to get a sense of when to water. 

As for water globes - they don't really work outdoors.  I occassionally use one for my indoor plants, but outdoors the water disappears too quickly for them to be useful.  I find them best for indoor plants when I'm traveling.

Your issue may also be one of sun/shade exposure rather than watering.  Ferns generally do not like full sun.  They prefer shade. 

pdxmouse

Do your pots have drainage holes? The only time I've had a plant die from overwatering was when the pot didn't have drainage holes.

Are you using potting soil, not top soil or planting mix? That's also important because regular soil becomes compacted and will hold in too much water.

Are you fertilizing? Most commercial soil mixes come with fertilizer in them, so skip adding more for at least a month (check the bag).

How big are your pots? They'll need more room than the nursery pots they came in. Bigger pots will retain moisture longer too.

And I check my container plants by lifting the smaller ones and seeing how heavy it is. The large ones I stick my finger an inch down to test so that I'm not just feeling the top layer, which dries out quicker.

mgugs17

also be sure you also check the tags that came along with the plants to ensure they get the correct sunlight/shade...boston ferns need shade and a cool area to flourish...they do not do well in direct sun (but you can always move it the day of to get the best WOW factor!!)

 

good luck!!