Should you water ivy from the top or bottom?

Answered by Frank Schwing

When it comes to watering ivy, the preferred method is bottom watering. This means filling the plant tray with water and allowing the soil to come into contact with the water. The idea is to let the plant soak up the water from the bottom, rather than pouring it directly onto the leaves or soil from the top.

To start, fill the plant tray with water, making sure that the water level is below the top of the tray. You want the water to be deep enough so that the soil can absorb it, but not so deep that it reaches the top of the tray and risks overflowing.

Once the tray is filled with water, you’ll need to wait for about 10 minutes. This allows the soil in the pot to absorb the water through capillary action. The roots of the ivy plant will draw the water up from the bottom of the pot, ensuring that the entire root system gets hydrated.

After the 10-minute wait, it’s time to check the moisture level of the soil. Gently touch the soil with your fingers to see if it feels moist throughout. If the soil is adequately moist, you can remove any excess water from the tray. This is important because you don’t want the plant sitting in standing water, as it can lead to root rot and other issues. Simply pour out any excess water from the tray, being careful not to spill it onto the leaves or surrounding area.

If, on the other hand, the soil still feels dry after the initial 10 minutes, you’ll need to add more water to the tray. This ensures that the soil has enough moisture to keep the plant healthy. Pour additional water into the tray, again being mindful of the water level and avoiding overflow.

Bottom watering is beneficial for ivy plants because it allows for a more controlled and thorough watering. When you water from the top, there is a chance that the water may not penetrate evenly throughout the soil, leading to dry patches or inadequate hydration. Bottom watering helps ensure that the water reaches all parts of the root system, promoting healthy growth.

In my personal experience, I have found that bottom watering works well for ivy plants. It helps prevent issues like overwatering or uneven moisture distribution. By allowing the plant to draw up water from the bottom, it also mimics the natural way that plants hydrate in their natural environment. This method has helped keep my ivy plants healthy and thriving.

When it comes to watering ivy, bottom watering is the preferred method. Fill the plant tray with water, wait for about 10 minutes for the soil to absorb it, and then check the moisture level. Adjust the water as needed, removing excess or adding more if the soil is still dry. This method ensures that the entire root system gets hydrated and promotes healthy growth for your ivy plant.