Water is essential for transporting the nutrients plants pull from the soil throughout the rest of the plant (to the leaves, petals, and branches,). Plants also need water for two other critical processes: photosynthesis and transpiration. During photosynthesis, water creates carbohydrates and supplies energy to the plant, while in transpiration, water cools and maintains the plant’s temperature.
Common Plant Problems Due to Improper Watering
So now that you understand how and why water is vital to plants, you may be wondering about the right amount of water to give your plants. Determining how much water your plants need can be tricky because that depends on where you live, the weather, and the plant species in your landscape. One way you can determine how much water your plants need is by examining their appearance. Below are signs that indicate your plants have too much water or need more.
Signs of Underwatering
Underwatering is the opposite problem, and too little water can hinder growth and make plants more susceptible to pests or diseases. Here are some of the common symptoms of an underwatered plant:
- Slow, stunted plant growth or a failure to flower
- Brittle, crisp stem
- Lower leaves yellowing and curling
An important note is that some plant problems can be a symptom of either overwatering or underwatering, depending on your plants’ other issues. Those symptoms include the following:
- Dropping leaves
- Wilting
- Browning edges (light, brittle leaves indicate underwatering, while soft, limp ones indicate overwatering)
- Pests
Many of these issues may require checking soil moisture or examining other areas of your landscape, so contact a landscape and irrigation professional to figure out whether your plants are over or underwatered.