When watering houseplants do not water on a schedule such as every Saturday. Water needs of plants vary and watering on a schedule contributes to overwatering and sometimes underwatering.

Instead check soil regularly by placing your finger into the soil up to the second knuckle. For most plants the soil should be just barely damp. Water needs of plants vary by temperature, sunlight, and how much the plant is growing so water needs may change throughout the year.

When you do water, water thoroughly – not just 1/4 cup or some other small amount. Water coming out the bottom of the pot is not necessarily a sign that you have watered enough. Most potting soils contain peat moss which repels water when dry. If the soil has pulled away from the sides of the pot the soil is extra dry. Watering your plants when the soil has pulled away can cause the water to flow along the top of the soil and down the sides without ever penetrating the potting soil. In this situation stick the entire pot in a bucket of water for several minutes to allow the potting soil to absorb water or water the plant several times in a row until when you stick your finger into the soil you can tell that the soil is damp.

Watering too frequently contributes to root rot and fungus gnats (tiny black gnats flying around your plants). A wilted plant could be over watered or under watered.

Keep your houseplants away from blowing air from furnaces, air conditioners, or an outside door.