How to Water Indoor Plants

The central and singularly most important component of a technician’s job is the application of water.  When done correctly, it leads to strong, thriving plant material.  However, when done incorrectly, slip and fall injuries, damaged floors, damaged furnishings, damaged walls and wall coverings, rotting plants, dead plants, and fungus gnats can result. To avoid these problems, please read and follow these directives carefully.

Do:

• Always use tepid, room temperature water. Not too hot and not too cold.
• Always carry your bucket from the point where the handle meets the top opening of the bucket. This reduces spills when you walk.
• Always prune before watering. This way you will not apply more water than you have leaves to feed.
• Always apply water according to the plant's variety, size, age, and available light.
• Always remove standing water, except when necessary.
• Always keep buckets clean.
• Always keep buckets out of traffic paths and off unstable surfaces.
• Always clean up spills immediately.

Don't:

• Never "splash and dash!" This is a dangerous practice that leads to immediate plant health decline.
• Never water only the center or side of a plant.
• Never ignore a spill; wipe even the smallest spills immediately.