Overwatered vs underwatered plants: How to fix them?

Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a budding green thumb, balancing water needs can be tricky. It’s easy to pour a little too much love (and water) into your plants. Sometimes, life gets busy, and watering schedules slip by.

Are you unsure if you’re providing just the right amount of hydration? Our guide on overwatered vs underwatered plants will help you identify the tell-tale signs and teach you the best rescue strategies.

What are overwatered plants? 

Effects of overwatering on a plant. (Source: iStock)

Overwatered plants are those that have received more water than their roots can handle. Too much watering drowns the roots and deprives them of the oxygen they need. This leads to root rot, a condition where the roots start to decay due to excessive moisture.

Overwatering seedlings may be particularly harmful since their developing roots are more vulnerable. Missing the mark on watering can stress them out and set back their growth.

What are underwatered plants? 

Signs of an underwatered plant. (Source: iStock)

Underwatered plants are crying out for a drink. When plants don’t get enough water, they can’t maintain their structure and start drooping. 

If you see wilting during the hottest part of the day, it might just be temporary. However, if it persists even in cooler temperatures, it’s a clear sign you need to water them more consistently.

Overwatered vs underwatered plants: Symptoms, solutions, and prevention tips

So, how can you tell if you’re overwatering or underwatering your plants? It can be tricky since some symptoms can overlap. But don’t worry. We’ve got you covered.

Here, we’ll look into the key factors you need to consider. We’ll look at symptoms, solutions, and preventative measures to help you out. It doesn’t matter if you have a plant that’s easy to grow or a more sensitive one. Let’s make sure your plants thrive, not just survive!

In terms of visual symptoms

A plant suffering from disease. (Source: iStock)

When it comes to overwatered plants signs, one of the most telling clues is the appearance of yellowing leaves starting from the bottom and moving upwards. These yellow leaves often look limp and wilted, even though the soil seems moist to the touch. On closer inspection, you might also find brown spots on the leaves of indoor plants, especially around the tips and edges, which further indicate water-related stress.

In contrast, underwatered plants will have dry, crispy leaves that look scorched and shrivelled. The leaves might curl at the edges and exhibit an overall droopy appearance, indicating that the plant is gasping for hydration. Another visual clue is the soil itself—it’ll often pull away from the sides of the pot. 

In terms of soil moisture levels 

Overly moist soil in a plant pot. (Source: iStock)

When assessing soil moisture levels, overwatered plants often have a potting mix or garden soil that feels constantly wet and soggy. This over-saturation prevents roots from accessing much-needed oxygen, which then leads to root rot and other fungal issues.

Conversely, the soil of underwatered plants is usually bone-dry, crumbly, and lacking moisture. The soil will often separate from the sides of the pot, creating air gaps that further dry out the plant. This condition calls for deep watering, which encourages roots to go deep down in the soil to where it is moist and a lot cooler, ensuring the plant’s hydration.

Maintaining the right soil moisture balance is critical, and employing a controlled drip irrigation system can make a significant difference. This system helps deliver small, consistent amounts of water right at the root zone, so there’s less risk of overwatering or underwatering. The average cost of installation is £500, but it’s an excellent long-term investment for your plants and garden. 

In terms of root health

The roots of young plants. (Source: iStock)

Overwatering plants can have detrimental effects on the roots. The abundance of water in the soil stifles the roots and suffocates them. Fungal growth often takes hold, further compromising the plant’s ability to absorb nutrients.

In stark contrast, underwatered plants grapple with insufficient hydration. Their roots often struggle to penetrate the parched soil, so they eventually become weak and brittle. This makes them more susceptible to disease and environmental stressors.

In essence, a healthy root system thrives with balanced moisture. While overwatering plants leads to a waterlogged environment, an even and consistent watering approach nurtures robust root development. 

In terms of environmental factors

A plant enduring heavy rains. (Source: iStock)

When it comes to environmental factors, both overwatered and underwatered plants experience unique challenges. As mentioned above, overwatered plants tend to develop root rot, especially in climates with high humidity. This rot makes them more vulnerable to pest infestations and creates a continuous cycle of issues.

On the other hand, areas with scarce rainfall and dry winds worsen the problems of underwatered plants. Their struggle for moisture intensifies, so it’s even harder to survive in arid conditions. That’s why your garden maintenance checklist should account for these environmental nuances to foster a thriving garden.

Balancing these environmental factors is crucial for maintaining a healthy, vibrant garden. Remember to adapt your watering routine based on the current weather and soil conditions. This approach will ensure your plants get the right amount of hydration, no matter the season.

In terms of recovery methods

Repotting a plant into a new home. (Source: iStock)

Even when you find that your plants have been over or underwatered, it’s often not too late to save them. There are several recovery methods that can help revive your struggling plants and get them back on track.

When figuring out how to fix overwatered plants, you need to first dig them up gently and examine the roots. If you spot mushy or black roots, trim them back to healthy, white tissue. Repotting in fresh, well-draining soil often gives the plant a second chance it desperately needs.

Underwatered plants require a slow, deep watering process to revive their parched roots. You shouldn’t just dump water on them. Instead, let the soil soak up moisture gradually. This method ensures the plant’s roots can absorb water without getting overwhelmed.

For overwatered plants, it’s also crucial to improve soil aeration to prevent further root issues. You can use tools to gently poke holes in the soil and make it easier for air to reach the roots.

Underwatered plants, on the other hand, often benefit from mulching because it helps the soil retain moisture longer. By adding organic mulch around the base, you create a more hospitable environment for the plant’s roots. This technique cuts down on the frequency of watering needed and secures a more stable moisture level.

Here are other things you can do for overwatered plants:

• reducing humidity around the affected area

• moving the plants to a well-ventilated spot

• allowing excess moisture to evaporate.

Meanwhile, misting underwatered plants can give them the extra humidity they lack. A regular, light misting routine keeps the foliage hydrated and less stressed. Consistency is key, so do this in the cooler parts of the day to maximise efficiency.

Lastly, never underestimate the power of pruning both types of plants. For overwatered plants, removing excess foliage lessens the strain on the damaged roots. With underwatered plants, trimming back can focus the plant’s energy on the healthier sections and promote overall recovery. 

In terms of prevention

Watering plants in a raised bed. (Source: iStock)

Preventing overwatering involves adjusting your watering schedule to the plant’s specific needs. Always check the soil moisture before watering to ensure it isn’t already saturated. It’s also beneficial to choose well-draining soil types to facilitate proper water flow and reduce risks.

Underwatering can be avoided by setting up a consistent watering routine that matches the plant species’ requirements. You can either set reminders or use smart watering technology to help keep you on track year-round.

Investing time in learning each plant’s hydration needs can save you from frequent maintenance issues as well. You can even adopt eco-friendly gardening tips by researching the optimal soil type and the right mulch for each plant. Planning your garden layout to position thirstier plants where they can easily be watered can also cut down on wastage and effort.

However, if you’re really busy, you can consider hiring a professional gardener to help you maintain your plants. From just £18 to £50 per hour, on average, you can enjoy your garden without worrying about plant care. 

Entrust your garden to experienced gardeners with Airtasker

Taking care of your plants doesn’t have to be an overwhelming task. With the right knowledge and techniques, you can keep your garden thriving. But let’s face it – sometimes, you need a little help.

Instead of stressing over proper watering schedules or the right soil type, why not hire an expert gardener through Airtasker. Easily find Taskers who are skilled in all things gardening, from garden planting to lawn seeding, so your plants will surely get the care they need to flourish.

Why not make it easier on yourself? Post a task on Airtasker today and meet pros who’ll keep your garden looking its best so you can sit back and enjoy the beauty of your outdoor space.