Bottom watering container plants

Bottom watering house plants is a great watering technique where plants absorb water from the bottom up instead of being fed water from the top. It promotes stronger healthier roots by making them grow downward for their water source, which also helps to anchor the plant. Top watering often soaks the top layer of soil leaving the bottom dry making plant roots climb upward to the water source. The process of watering from the bottom will also help maintain a more consistent moisture content.
Top watering often leads to high levels of moisture on the top of soil promoting an environment for fungus gnats and mushrooms. Fungus gnats thrive in moist top soil. Bottom watering does not leave excess water on the top of the soil, keeping gnats and mushrooms away.
While it is possible to over-water plants with bottom watering, it is less likely than with top watering. Plants only take up the water they need, but if left to soak for too long, the soil can become oversaturated, leading to root rot and other issues. As long as you are allowing the plant to dry out between waterings, it will not be over-watered.
The best method for bottom watering is using a tray that is separate and not built into the container. Fill the tray with water and let the soil absorb the water from the drain hole in the bottom of the container. Be mindful of the soil type, plant needs, and how long the pot is soaking in water. Water meter gauges are an inexpensive but handy tool for testing soil moisture. Using this gauge will quickly tell you the moisture content for each plant. Once all the water in the tray is absorbed, use the moisture gauge to test the moisture level in each container at three levels, top, middle, and bottom. Fill the tray again if the soil in the upper middle of the container is not moist. Determining how many times to fill the tray is a crucial piece of information because once the container soil is fully moist it must be allowed to dry out. Allowing the soil to dry out between watering is important step that you will learn to appreciate.
Plants with shallow roots, such as succulents, aloe, and calathea, probably will not benefit from bottom watering because, having shallow roots, water might not reach their roots effectively. Additionally, plants with hairy or fuzzy leaves, should also be top watered.
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