Thirsty Much?
#Coleus I am trying not to kill this plant, but she is always thirsty! I know she is not potted ideally (no drainage), but she got too big for all my other pots and this pot called her name. When I water, I give her the whole can, about 5 cups. Pics are her this past Sunday afternoon before and after watering, and again this evening before watering. If I keep watering her this often, am I going to give her root rot?? Any other advice? TIA! #help #ThirstyThursday #NewPlantMom #BeforeAndAfter
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M#@## @SlinkyFivespot8 Hi Lauren, there isn’t a good for way to water a plant without drainage because the only way the water can evaporate is from the top which leaves no water of knowing about the bottom. Just make sure you stick your finger as far down in the pot as you can to make sure it’s dry. You mentioned it needs a lot of water, How are you able to tell that it needs so much water? If it were me, I would find a pot with drainage I simply do t trust not having it because you just don’t know how much is remaining when you water it. Root rot will absolutely happen if it’s not allowed to dry out first. Good luck!🪴
@Ponytailmom she’s super dramatic and wilts when she’s thirsty and springs back up a few hours after being watered. This is her 4 hours after being watered. I’m just worried because she’s thirsty again just 4 days after watering, seems kind of soon 🤷♀️
@LeafMeBe97 yes!!! But since mine are indoor plants and have no drainage, I’m so worried about giving them root rot! Are yours solely outdoor/ in-ground plants?
@SlinkyFivespot8 I have the same experience with coleus that they are super thirsty. I need to water mine every day in summer, and they are in bigger pots than yours.
I do have drainage in my pots, but as I have them outdoor all summer they do sometimes keep getting drenched in rainwater and are soaked for weeks, and I have never experienced root-rot on them.
Although the best option is to have drainage, I do think you will be fine as it seemingly dries out quite fast in the way you are doing it (as it goes sloppy/sad/dramatic in just a few days). And your pot also looks quite shallow. So I don’t really think you have to worry that much.
Although if the time comes where it doesn't perk up after watering, you might consider it is overwatered and should take a cutting just in case.
I use to trim mine before winter so they are a little less thirsty when I have to bring them indoor😅
I do have drainage in my pots, but as I have them outdoor all summer they do sometimes keep getting drenched in rainwater and are soaked for weeks, and I have never experienced root-rot on them.
Although the best option is to have drainage, I do think you will be fine as it seemingly dries out quite fast in the way you are doing it (as it goes sloppy/sad/dramatic in just a few days). And your pot also looks quite shallow. So I don’t really think you have to worry that much.
Although if the time comes where it doesn't perk up after watering, you might consider it is overwatered and should take a cutting just in case.
I use to trim mine before winter so they are a little less thirsty when I have to bring them indoor😅
