when i water my plants,the water goes everywhere,what can i do?

Question

i just started using towels to wrap around the bottom of the pot to catch the water but there has to be a better way please help!

Answer 1

I got tired of always having to buy dishes to catch the water. So I do one of two things:

1. for my smaller pots, I just take them to the sink, water them and let them drain in there.
2. For the biger pots that get too heavy after water is added, I bring a rubber maid tub over to them and water them in there and let them drain. I still have to pick them up and set them back on the bricks that hold them up, but it sure beats hauling them to the bathtub since they are sooo large.

Hope this might help ya.
sammie

Answer 2

I've found that whenever the soil is dry, water is repelled and you tend to get the problem you're experiencing. I'd suggest you purchase a saucer that will catch/retain the excess water. Clay pots and saucers are probably the best to use since they're somewhat porous and have a hole in the bottom of the container to allow water to flow in and out.

Try using a Here are 2 suggestions you can utilize;

1) Place your pots in a saucer (larger than the pot) filled with water...this method is often called "Sub-Irrigation". The water will gradually be soaked up by the soil. You'll find that it's much easier to do it this way and it cuts down the possibility of spreading diseases. I'd also recommend placing your pot on some gravel so that the pot doesn't sit in water all the time. After an hour or so, dump the water so you won't get algae forming in the dish.

2) If your soil isn't accepting water readily, you can also try placing a drop or two of dishsoap (such as Dawn) with your lukewarm water. This will reduce the "surface tension" of the soil and allow water to be accepted more easily.

Hope one of these suggestions solves your problem. GOOD LUCK!

Answer 3

I take my plant pots to the kitchen sink and set them in the sink with about 3 inches of water for about 10-15 minutes so they actually absorb the water from the bottom.Assuming they do have drain holes in the bottom of the pot-- I take them out and put them back on their saucers and if there is any extra water it catches it.

Answer 4

Do you mean over the top edge?
If this is the problem, then you need to make a "trough" or "moat" in the dirt all the way around the edge of the pot so that the water will go there while it is absorbing into the dirt, instead of over the edge of your pot. Water until you see that the moat is full and then stop until it has absorbed, then you can add more water and so on . . .

Answer 5

Sounds like they are too dry and the soil has shrunk. Can you see a space between the dirt and pot? If so aerate (poke holes in the soil with pencil, scissors, screwdriver) then water.

Another hint: lift the pot. Light = dry aerate, water. Heavy = wet, drain and allow to dry to prevent root rot.

Answer 6

You need to get a plastic dish to put under it. HD, Lowes or Walmart have them. They are sized by the diameter of the bottom of the pot that you are going to put in it. (Like 8 inch, 10 inch, 12 inch, etc.)

Answer 7

Best bet is to get a better pot that can drain well. Once in a while, repot your plants with fresh dirt and don't overwater. If you want, go to the store (Home Depot/Loews) and ask for their opinion.

Answer 8

all good suggestions.. but here's another... don't put so much water on them! most people over water their houseplants. water them when the soil feels dry about an inch down inside the pot... don't water every Saturday "'cuz that's when you water your plants".. water when they NEED it.

Also.. get some drip pans.

Answer 9

This may be obvious but....

Is there a drainage dish under the pot? If so, have you emptied it lately? My guess is that you're overwatering, and the excess water is overflowing out of the drainage dish.