In thinking of caring for plants, a lot of people believe that the more water you have available implies better the plants. The assumption is that water, which is essential to our existence, must be plentiful in order to ensure the highest development. However, giving excessive amounts of water to plants can be equally dangerous as denying the plants of. Overwatering is not just an issue of immediate dangers and dangers, but also has negative effects on the plant’s general health.
Understanding Plant Water Needs
Each plant has its own requirements for water, and so to identify house plants is one of the most important aspects. Some thrive in areas that have plenty of water, however, some can withstand drought and only require minimal irrigation. The plant’s roots draw in liquid water from the soil. However their capacity to do this is dependent on numerous factors, such as the species of plant, soil type and environment.
Signs of Overwatering
The toughest things for plant owners to comprehend is the method to recognize signs of excessive watering. The problem is that indicators of excessive watering can be confused with symptoms of under-watering. If plants are exposed to excessive water, they may display green leaves that appear green, yellow or wilting. They may also show signs of stunted growth – signs that are usually related with the dehydration. The main difference is in the soil.
Leaves that are yellowing
When plants are exposed for too long to large amounts of liquid, their roots can’t supply sufficient nutrients, which causes the leaves to turn yellow.
Wilting
Although wilting can be caused by excessive watering the plants can also suffer from excessive irrigation also. This is because roots are actually suffocating in the extremely moist soil and are not able in obtaining oxygen.
Root rot
If you pull the plant out of its pot and notice the roots are brown and mushy, it’s a clear sign of root decay. This is a direct result of overwatering.
Growth of mold
If the soil is saturated with water, it may cause a fungus or mold over the surface of soil. This is a an indication of whether the soil is inundated with water.
Why Overwatering Is So Harmful?
Water loss doesn’t only affect the roots; it affects the entire plant ecosystem. The life of a plant depends on the balance between water, air, as well as nutrients.
Root Suffocation
Roots require oxygen and water to survive. Insufficiently hydrated soil deprives the roots from oxygen. If roots are submerged for enough time, they start to die and then begin to decay, eventually, the whole plant will die.
Nutrient Deficiency
In excess, water is removed important nutrients from soil before the plant’s ability to take in the necessary minerals. Leaching of nutrients can cause slow growth, as well as becoming yellowed leaves and weakening of the immunity of the plant. When the minerals nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus are depleted, plants struggle to achieve photosynthesis, along with other important tasks.
Fungal Growth
The excess watering could create a humid and moist environment which can be ideal for the development of fungal. The fungal infection may be limited to the root or stems which weaken the plant and leading to diseases such as leaf spot and mildew that is powdery. When a fungal disease has begun to take hold and spreads rapidly, it could be a matter of and, in most cases, require chemical treatments to stop.
Pests
A place that is always moist can attract various insects, including fungus bugs who thrive in soils that are moist. They can cause harm to the roots of plants and can exacerbate the harm caused by over-watering.
Conclusion
Although it’s natural to nourish your plants by providing them with plenty of water, overwatering them could be as harmful as letting them go unattended. The plants require balance between oxygen and nutrients, along with water. good growth. If you’re aware of the symptoms of overwatering and are able to alter your routine of maintenance, you can ensure that you don’t hurt your plants, and can help them thrive in the end.