How Often Should You Water An Indoor Tree?

Big fiddle leaf fig tree in stylish modern pot at home kitchen, How Often Should You Water An Indoor Tree?Growing an indoor tree can add the perfect touch of drama and majesty to your home. But do you know how often you should be watering your tree when it is indoors? Since indoor trees are shielded from the rain, it is up to you to make sure your tree is not being over-watered or parched with thirst. Depending on the type of indoor tree you have in your home, the requirements for water may vary. We have researched this, so you know how to frequently your tree needs to be tended. 

Some common species of trees thrive well when grown indoors, but it is essential to understand the plant's need for water, sun, and proper temperature. Here is what you should know regarding the watering frequency for specific trees.

  • Weeping Fig-Keep soil moist
  • Yucca- Every ten days, or when the top half of the tree is dry
  • Fiddle Leaf Fig- Every 7 to 10 days
  • Majestic Palm- Once or twice per week
  • Money Tree- When the top two to four inches of soil are dry
  • Madagascar Dragon Tree- Once a week
  • Kentia Palm- When the top 1 to 2 inches of soil is dry
  • Umbrella Tree- When the first inch of soil is dry

Many types of trees thrive indoors. Depending on the season, how much sunlight is available, and your tree's specific requirements to be healthy, you can adjust how much you water your tree. Familiarize yourself with the ways a tree responds to how much water it receives, sunlight, and its preferred soil type and acidity. There is much to know about watering your indoor tree appropriately. Keep reading for all the details on these common trees. 

Watering Schedules for Common Indoor Trees

Weeping Fig

Benjamin ficus in a wicker basket on a floor

Water the Weeping Fig so that the soil is always moist but not overly saturated. Too much water can lead to root rot. Take caution when the Ficus drops its leaves during dry seasons, which is when it becomes more sensitive to moisture levels in its environment. During spring and summer, water this tree moderately, but in the winter back off a bit.

Check that the top two inches of soil are dry before watering. Yellowing leaves are a sign the tree does not need water and reduce your watering schedule.

Yucca

Yucca cane plant on a stainless pot at home

Growing a Yuca indoors provides welcome color and energy in a home. However, caution should be taken not to over-water this plant because it is a desert native, drought-resistant, and thrives under bright, indirect sunlight. You can comfortably water your Yucca tree every ten days during the spring and summer. During the winter months, water your tree sporadically. Make sure the top half of your plant's soil is dry before watering and never let the tree sit in water.

Fiddle Leaf Fig

Big fiddle leaf fig tree in stylish modern pot near kitchen furniture

You will know it's time to water your Fiddle Leaf Fig tree when the top layers of soil are dry. When watering the Fiddle Leaf Fig, you should allow the soil to be thoroughly soaked until it drains out of the pot. Allow this tree to thoroughly dry out between waterings, as it is a native of rainforest-like environments. Choose a schedule of watering the Fiddle Leaf Fig every 7 to 10 days. If the top two inches of soil is damp, do not water.

Majestic Palm

Indoor palm plant decoration with potted pot on corner of wooden floor in room by wall and sunlight

The Majestic Palm is a regal tree indoors, and it alerts its owners if it is overwatered with yellow leaves, or isn't getting enough moisture by turning brown. Overall, this plant loves being watered thoroughly, as they thrive in nature by rivers and streams. Make sure the soil is never completely dried out, but let the topmost part of the soil dry out before watering the Majesty Palm 1 to 2 times a week.

Mexican Fortune Tree (Money Tree)

Money Tree against a grey wall background at home

Make sure your Money Tree or Mexican Fortune Tree is in a pot with excellent drainage and sandy, peat-moss soil. You will want to water this tree when the top 2 to 4 inches of soil is dry. Reduce how much you water the tree during the winter months, but water the plant deeply and at infrequent intervals for best results.

Madagascar Dragon Tree

If you have a Dragon tree that is getting acclimated to its new home, it will need to be watered frequently for three weeks before reducing to a schedule of being watered once a week. When the soil is still damp to the touch, the plant will not need watering, as it needs to be kept moist but not saturated.

Kentia Palm

Make sure a Kentia Palm is placed in a pot with good drainage and not over watered to prevent root rot. Water this beautiful tree when the first 1 to 2 inches of the topsoil feels dry to the touch. Avoid overwatering, which can cause a host of problems, including disease.

Umbrella Tree

The Umbrella Tree has many names, including the Octopus Tree and Parasol Plant. Keep your Umbrella Tree healthy by watering it when you notice the first top inch of soil is dried out completely. Beware overwatering, which can lead to root rot, and your tree may forgive you if you forget to water it for a week or two at most.

Get In Touch With Your Tree

Beyond understanding how frequently you should be watering your indoor tree, it is critical to recognize signs regarding your tree's health. Too often, a tree can suffer because of over-watering, a sunlight deficiency, or from an improperly sized pot. Get in touch with your tree and learn how to tell if it is healthy, happy, or could use some extra TLC.

Growing trees indoors is a magical experience that can bring years of delight for your home. Once you figure out how often to water your tree, the best type of soil, and are aware of how to best upkeep your tree indoors, your inner green thumb will flourish. Keep reading to learn more about the beauty of growing indoor trees.

How Can You Tell When a Tree Needs Water?

First, stick your finger in the soil to check if the first two inches of soil or more are moist. If the soil is bone dry, it may time to water your tree, unless it is a hardy drought-resistant type. Another way to tell if your tree needs water is to observe the leaves. Leaves that are wilting, turning brown, curling up, or falling off in mass may be a sign that a tree is parched. Lastly, you can check the color of the soil, or use a soil moisture meter.

Check out this meter to test pH and moisture on Amazon.

How Do I Keep My Tree Small?

The best way to keep an indoor tree small and manageable is to do routine pruning. Springtime is the best time to give plants needed maintenance to curtail their growth, including clipping new root growth, nipping growing tips, cutting back stalks. Make sure to regularly remove leaves that are damaged or dead too. A tree must have enough space for its roots, but controlling the height of a plant's upward and outward growth keeps them small.

Check out this pair of pruning shears on Amazon.

How Much Sunlight Do Indoor Trees Need?

The amount of sunlight that an indoor tree will need depends on its type. Some trees like the Lady Palm are fine under low light conditions, whereas the Weeping Fig, thrive under bright, indirect sunlight. 

Check out this article if you want to learn about gorgeous palm trees that love the indoors.

Check out this article and discover attractive planters to house your indoor tree with style.

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