How Often Should You Water Your Houseplants?

Houseplant Watering 101

“How often should I water this?” is the number one question we get from clients across Long Beach, South Bay, and the greater SoCal area.

The short answer? It depends.

The long answer? We’ve got you covered.

Let’s break it down by plant type, environment, and season — so you know exactly how to keep your plants happy (without overdoing it).

General Watering Guidelines

Use these as a starting point — then adjust based on your space, pot type, and plant behavior.

• Tropical Plants (e.g. Calatheas, Peace Lilies)

  Every 5–7 days

• Succulents & Cacti

  Every 10–21 days

• Low-Light Plants (e.g. ZZ, Snake Plant)

  Every 10–14 days

• Fast-Growing Plants (e.g. Pothos, Spider Plant)

  Every 5–10 days

• Ferns & Moisture-Lovers

  Every 3–5 days

Factor #1: Your Environment (Long Beach & SoCal)

SoCal’s sunny, dry air can affect plant watering needs.

• Bright rooms dry soil faster — check your sunniest plants more often

• AC and heaters can cause rapid moisture loss, especially near vents or windows

Factor #2: Seasonal Changes

• Spring & Summer: Plants are actively growing and need more water

• Fall: Growth slows, so reduce watering slightly

• Winter: Many plants go dormant. Water sparingly and only when soil is dry

Factor #3: Your Soil and Pot Type

• Terracotta pots dry out faster than plastic or glazed ceramic

• Well-draining soil means you may need to water a little more often

• No drainage hole? Throw that pot away and get one with drainage

3 Simple Ways to Know It’s Time to Water

• Finger test: Stick your finger about 2 inches into the soil. If it feels dry, water.

• Lift the pot: A dry plant is much lighter than a well-watered one.

• Wilting or drooping? It could be under-watered… or over-watered. Feel the soil to be sure.

Signs You Might Be Overwatering

• Yellowing leaves

• Mushy stems

• Moldy soil

• Fungus gnats (tiny flies hovering around the soil)

If this sounds familiar, hold off on watering and consider repotting in fresh soil.

Still Not Sure?

We get it, watering can be tricky.

At St Clair Plant Care, we offer:

• In-home watering visits

• Seasonal care plans

• Plant consultations and repotting

Serving Long Beach, South Bay, and Greater LA

Contact us to book a care visit or ask a question