Knowing the symptoms of over-watering to keep your plants healthy

Each species of plant has its own specific watering requirements, and giving plants too much water can spell disaster. Over-watering severely damages plants, and could lead to their overall decline. Knowing the symptoms of over-watering and how to correctly determine when to water will help keep the plant healthy. 

The roots of plants that are waterlogged or over-watered cannot absorb oxygen properly, resulting in wilted and yellow leaves. Both young and old leaves fall from the plant prematurely and buds fail to open. Both over-watered and under-watered plants develop wilted, discolored leaves that can fall from the plant, but leaves on over-watered plants have a limp appearance while under-watered leaves are brittle and dry. Over-watering deprives roots of oxygen, which they need to function properly. When the roots are continuously deprived of oxygen, the root fibers die. This prevents the plant from receiving the moisture it needs for healthy leaves. Dry, brown discoloration appears between the leaf veins and along the edges. These leaves will eventually die and fall off. 

When the roots of over-watered plants absorb water faster than the plant can use it, the water pressure begins to build in internal cells. The cells will burst, killing them and forming blisterlike areas, generally on the undersides of the foliage. This physiological disorder is called edema. Once the blisters erupt, tan, brown or white warty growths begin to form where the blisters originally were. Indentations appear directly above the growths on the top sides of the leaves. 

Over-watered plants are more susceptible to pests, bacterial diseases and fungal infections. Root, crown and stem rots occur when over-watered plants become infected by fungal pathogens such as Pythium, Fusarium and Phytophthora. When the over-watered plant develops rot, the foliage begins to dull and turn yellow. The stems and roots of the infected plant are soft, break easily and tips turn brown. The plant will eventually die as the roots decay. 

Giving your plants too much water is not the only cause of over-watering. Plants growing in poorly drained and compacted soils will also suffer the same symptoms. There are generally three types of soils: loamy, sandy and clay. Loamy soil drains properly, retains nutrients and works well for most plants. Sandy soil doesn’t retain moisture or nutrients, drains too quickly and is dry. Clay soil is compact and drains slowly, creating a soggy, saturated area. Plants growing in clay soil that cannot tolerate overly wet locations will become waterlogged. 

Proper watering can help prevent problems. Refrain from following a set schedule for watering and instead let the soil partially dry before watering the plant. Water deeply and less frequently to encourage deep root growth. Deep, thorough watering will promote healthy plants. Regularly check for signs of over-watering by gently removing potted from their containers or digging into the ground near the plant’s root zone. If the waterlogged plants are caused by poorly drained soil, amended the soil by incorporating organic amendments, such as wood chips, straw, peat and tree bark, into the original soil. This is best done before planting. 

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