Photo: Ashley-Belle Burns (Shutterstock)
Overwatering is the opposite of neglect, but it’s no less deadly. When I see an ailing plant, my first thought is, “It needs more water,” but overwatering is a more common cause of plant-death than not watering enough. Keeping most plants in constantly saturated soil means that the roots can’t get the oxygen they need. Overwatering can also lead to root-rot and moldy soil. Signs of overwatering include wilting leaves, yellow, droopy leaves, moldy soil, and shedding new and old leaves. To provide the proper amount of water, first check the moisture by sticking your finger about 2 inches into the soil, or getting a moisture meter. If the soil is dry, water it. But make sure your pot is draining properly.
