Underwatering

Plants should never be allowed to dry out completely.  Plants that are underwatered exhibit the following symptoms:

• Limp, warm foliage
• Brown crisp tips
• Yellowing/browning of lower foliage
• Loss of the plant’s lowest older foliage
• Soil pulling away from the sides of the pot.

If a plant is underwatered

1. Water plant until water runs into the saucer.
2. Allow plant to stand in water until root ball is moistened.  Add more water to the saucer as needed.
3. After 30 minutes, discard remaining water.
   Note: If after 30 minutes the root ball is still dry, the roots may be compacted or root bound. 
   
4. Mist foliage with plain water to hydrate leaves.
5. If a small plant uses a lot of water, such as croton or Antherium, use deep saucers.  Fill the saucer to just below the bottom of the grow pot.
6. If a large plant uses a lot of water, such as a Spathiphyllum, put the plant in a sub-irrigation system.