Advanced Plant Care Calculator

Q: Top Watering vs Bottom Watering: Which is better?

Bottom watering is generally better for thorough hydration as it encourages roots to grow down toward the moisture and prevents fungus gnats (which love wet topsoil). Top watering is good for flushing out mineral salts.

Q: Should I use tap water?

It depends. Tough plants like Pothos are fine. Sensitive plants like Calathea or Spider Plants hate the fluoride/chlorine in tap water and will get brown tips. For them, use distilled water, rain water, or tap water left out for 24 hours.

Q: When should I fertilize?

Only fertilize during 'Active Growth' (Spring/Summer). Never feed a dormant plant in winter—it can't process the nutrients, leading to chemical burn in the soil. Our calculator automatically pauses feeding in Winter mode.

Q: What is 'The Wilting Point'?

It's the critical threshold where a plant has lost so much turgor pressure it can no longer stand up. If you water immediately, it recovers. If it stays past this point too long, cell permanent damage occurs.

Beyond "Once a Week"

Professional growers know that a schedule is not a static thing. It's a dynamic equation.

Watering Frequency = (Light + Temp) / (Humidity + Soil Density)

Our advanced calculator solves this equation for you. By factoring in your home's humidity and your specific soil mix, we can predict evaporation rates with far greater accuracy than simple guides.

Humidity

Dry air pulls moisture from soil faster.
Low Humidity: Water more often.
High Humidity: Water less often.

Soil Density

Chunky (Bark/Perlite): Drains fast. Needs frequent watering.
Dense (Peat/Coir): Holds water like a sponge. Water rarely.

Light Energy

Light is the engine. More light = faster metabolism = thirstier plant. In low light, plants go into 'screensaver mode' and drink very little.

Fertilizer

Only feed when the plant is hungry (growing).
Summer: Feed every 2-4 waterings.
Winter: Stop feeding.

Using Your Forecast

The generated calendar below isn't a rigid law—it's a forecast. Think of it like a weather report.

1
Check the DateWhen the calendar says "Water", inspect your plant.
2
Verify DrynessUse the "Dryness Guide" percentage. If it's still damp, WAIT 2 days.
3
Feed if MarkedIf the date has a FEED tag, mix half-strength fertilizer into your water.

Top vs. Bottom Watering

Top Watering

The traditional method. Pouring water onto the soil surface until it runs out the bottom.

PROFlushes out mineral buildup/salts.

CONCan compact soil over time. Attracts fungus gnats.

Bottom Watering

Placing the pot in a bowl of water and letting the soil "drink" upwards via capillary action.

PROPromotes deep root growth. Keeps topsoil dry (no gnats).

CONDoesn't flush salts. Takes 20-30 minutes per plant.

The "Tap Water" Debate

Water Type	Best For	Safety Notes
Tap Water	Pothos, Snake Plant, Philodendron	Contains Chlorine & Fluoride. Let sit out for 24h to evaporate chlorine.
Distilled / RO	Calathea, Peace Lily, Spider Plant	Pure. Essential for plants sensitive to minerals (prevents brown tips).
Rain Water	Everything (The Gold Standard)	Contains dissolved Nitrogen which plants love. Free but harder to collect.

Plant Doctor: Symptom Checker

Yellowing Leaves

Lower leaves only: Usually Overwatering.
All over: Nitrogen deficiency or root bound.
Patches: Sunburn or pest damage.

Brown Tips

Crispy tips: Low humidity (dry air).
With yellow halo: Fungal infection due to overwatering.
Edges only: Mineral build-up from hard tap water.

Drooping

With dry soil: Thirsty (Underwatering).
With wet soil: Root rot (Roots have died).
At night: Normal for Calatheas ("Praying").

Stunted Growth

In summer: Needs fertilizer or larger pot.
In winter: Normal dormancy. Do not feed.
Pale leaves: Needs more light.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does soil type matter?

Huge impact. A 'Chunky Aroid Mix' drains water in seconds and dries in 3-4 days. A 'Dense Peaty Mix' acts like a sponge, holding water for 2 weeks. Using the wrong schedule for your soil type is the #1 reason for root rot.

How does humidity change watering?

Plants 'sweat' (transpire) less in high humidity. In a dry room (<40%), soil evaporation accelerates and leaves lose moisture rapidly. Our calculator increases frequency by 20% for dry air and decreases it for humid greenhouses.

Top Watering vs Bottom Watering: Which is better?

Bottom watering is generally better for thorough hydration as it encourages roots to grow down toward the moisture and prevents fungus gnats (which love wet topsoil). Top watering is good for flushing out mineral salts.

Should I use tap water?

It depends. Tough plants like Pothos are fine. Sensitive plants like Calathea or Spider Plants hate the fluoride/chlorine in tap water and will get brown tips. For them, use distilled water, rain water, or tap water left out for 24 hours.

When should I fertilize?

Only fertilize during 'Active Growth' (Spring/Summer). Never feed a dormant plant in winter—it can't process the nutrients, leading to chemical burn in the soil. Our calculator automatically pauses feeding in Winter mode.

What is 'The Wilting Point'?

It's the critical threshold where a plant has lost so much turgor pressure it can no longer stand up. If you water immediately, it recovers. If it stays past this point too long, cell permanent damage occurs.