How to Prevent and Manage Overwatering in Plants

Most of the time, we overwater our plants simply because we water them on the shuttle as directed on a plant tag without first examining the soil or because we have our plants planted in pots without drainage. Plants that are planted in pots without drainage are considerably more likely to be overwatered. Let's first discuss the many stages of overwatering, and then I'll give you some vital watering advice to help you prevent overwatering in the future.

Stages of Overwatering

There are two levels of overwatering: moderate and severe. The moderate stage occurs when the plant has been overwatered but is not decaying; the plant can recover quickly with only a few tweaks. So, what are the symptoms of the mild stage, and what should you do if you see them?

A lot of brown leaves
Some yellowing
Yellow, black, or brown patches on the leaves and stems
Some fungi on the soil
A few black flies hovering around

As soon as you observe these symptoms, take action.

Stop watering your plants.
Remove any afflicted leaves and cut any brown or yellow tips.
Ensure the soil is clear of debris.
Aerate the soil using a chopstick or similar tool to facilitate faster drying.

Pro Tip: Aeration should be repeated once or twice a week until the soil is dry and your plant is thirsty.

When the plant has been overwatered for an extended period of time, it begins to decay. In this situation, saving an overwatered plant will require more effort and time.

Severe Overwatering

What are the symptoms of severe overwatering and what should you do about it?

A lot of brown soft mushy leaves
Soft and mushy plant stems
Many black flies flying around
Soil coated with mold or fungus

If you observe these severe symptoms, it's crucial to repot your plant as soon as possible. Here's how:

Remove as much dirt as possible when removing a plant from a container.
Examine the roots and remove any that are brown, squishy, or mushy.
If all roots are in poor condition, consider discarding the plant and starting over.

Expert Tip: Only use dry potting mix for repotting. Water your plants lightly after repotting.

How to Avoid Overwatering

To avoid overwatering, follow these simple guidelines:

Use containers with proper drainage.
Establish a regular checkup practice rather than watering on a schedule.
Test the soil deeply every 7-10 days to understand your plant's needs and drying rates.
Adjust watering frequency based on seasons, light, air movement, humidity, and temperature.
Be mindful of the amount of water used; moisten the soil without drowning the plants.
Ensure no excess water collects in the saucer or at the bottom of the pot.

Note: Regularly inspect the soil using a soil moisture meter for accurate watering.

By following these tips, your plants will thrive. If you're experiencing yellowing leaves, refer to my previous post on this common issue for further guidance.

Read: Why are the leaves on my plants going yellow? (link to earlier post)

Topic	Tips
Stages of Overwatering	Mild: Brown/yellow leaves, patches, fungi. Severe: Mushy leaves/stems, flies, mold/fungus.
Mild Stage Remedies	Stop watering, remove affected leaves, aerate soil.
Severe Stage Remedies	Repotting: Remove dirt, inspect roots, discard if necessary.
Avoiding Overwatering	Use drainage, check soil, adjust watering to conditions.
Soil Moisture Meter	Use for accurate soil assessment.
Additional Resource	Why are the leaves on my plants going yellow? (link)

About the Author

Chris Hall

Green Thumbs Aren't Born, They're Made! Christopher Hall has been an avid indoor gardener for over 10 years and has helped many friends and family members keep their plants alive and thriving. He has a blog, which is dedicated to teaching others how to cultivate healthy plants indoors.