Umbrella Plant is a very popular houseplant that comes in many varieties and is a favorite among houseplant enthusiasts because it does not require much care. Stay tuned if you’re wondering how much water an umbrella plant requires.
In general, Umbrella Plant needs to be watered every 5-10 days, depending on the temperature and humidity of the environment. Water the plant whenever the soil becomes 75% dry. Water your umbrella plant thoroughly until water begins to come out of the drainage holes.
In this article, we will go over the water requirements of umbrella plants and explain how your watering technique should change depending on the season and temperature.
Watering Requirements For Umbrella Plants
The Araliaceae family includes umbrella plants, which are native to Taiwan.
They also prefer lightly moist soil and dislike being bone dry or extremely wet for an extended period. When it comes to water requirements for the umbrella tree, also known as the umbrella plant, the season and temperature are the most important factors.
Every plant’s watering requirements are determined by the temperature. As a result, your watering schedule cannot be consistent throughout the year. Let’s talk about how frequently you should water your Umbrella plant throughout the year.
Summer
The hottest months are spring and summer, when your umbrella plant grows the most. The plant grows the most from April to September, so its watering requirements are the highest. The plant requires a lot of water due to the high evaporation and transpiration rates caused by the scorching heat and light.
As a result, as the sun shines brightly during this growing season, the water you give to your plant is absorbed faster. So, when the soil is 75% dry, you must thoroughly water your umbrella plant. Water it thoroughly until you see water draining from the holes. In the summer, the soil of the umbrella plant must be kept evenly moist but not soggy.
Remember to empty the saucer or plates at the bottom that hold the water, otherwise, the fungus will grow in the soil. Instead of following a predetermined pattern, check the soil’s moisture content to determine whether it requires water.
Umbrella Plant, being a hardy plant, can withstand periods of under-watering. However, if you keep it bone dry for an extended period, it may become weak and dehydrated.
Winter
Winter and fall are the seasons when your Umbrella Plant requires the least amount of water. During this period, the plant expends the least amount of energy in its growth. Its growth remains stagnant, the sunlight is mild, and the evaporation rate is extremely low.
The reduced intensity of sunlight, low humidity levels, low temperature, and shorter day spans cause your plant to struggle, causing it to grow less and mostly remain dormant.
Since the plant invests less energy in growth during this time, it absorbs less water, so you should water your umbrella plant less during the fall and winter and wait for the soil to dry between waterings.
Always check the soil between waterings because Umbrella Plants are prone to overwatering. Also, avoid using water that is too cold. To avoid shock to your plant, use room temperature water instead.
How can I tell if my Umbrella Plant needs water?
We frequently do not understand whether the plant requires water or not, and we frequently provide water even when it does not. This frequently results in overwatering issues in the plants, resulting in fungus growth and a sick plant. So, let’s go over the various methods for determining whether your plant needs water.
The finger test
The finger test is the simplest way to determine whether your plant needs water or not. You must insert your finger 2 to 3 inches into the soil.
If the soil sticks to your finger, it means there is still moisture in the soil. You also must not water it. You can water your Umbrella Plant if the soil feels dry and does not stick to your skin.
Read More: About Umbrella Plant Soil Requirements
Moisture Gauge
Moisture meters are the best way to get an answer if you want to be scientifically certain before watering your Umbrella Plant or don’t want to get your hands dirty. This is the most dependable method for determining your plant’s moisture content.
Insert the moisture meter gently into the soil around the plant’s base, and the readings on the meter will tell you the moisture content of the soil. You can water the plant if the meter reading is between 2 and 3.
Touching the Pot
Touching the pot is another way to determine the moisture level of the plant. If you grow your Umbrella Plant in a terracotta pot, the sides will be damp, and the soil at the bottom will be moist. However, if it is dry, it means that the soil inside is no longer moist.
Observing the Pot
The moisture content of the soil can also be determined by looking at the pot. If the soil is wet, the pot will appear darker brown, and if the pot is lighter in color, the soil is dry. However, this is not a very reliable technique, and touching the soil for confirmation is preferable.
Lifting the Pot
Another common method for determining the moisture content of the soil is to lift the pot. If the pot is heavy, the soil is wet, and you should not water it. Alternatively, you can water.
What is the Water Requirement of an Umbrella Plant?
An umbrella plant does not require much water. Overwatering is a common issue with this plant.
During the growing season, Umbrella Plant prefers slightly moist soil. After checking the topsoil and ensuring it is 75% dry, water your umbrella plant. During the growing season, your Umbrella Plant should be watered once a week or every 10 days.
Overwatering is a common cause of death for this plant, so keep in mind that while it prefers slightly moist soil, it despises wet soil. The Umbrella Plant’s watering requirements are determined by a variety of factors and do not remain constant throughout the year.
Let’s talk about what factors influence your Umbrella Plant’s watering needs.
Temperature
The primary factor influencing your Umbrella Plant’s watering requirements is temperature. When the temperature rises, water is absorbed more quickly, causing the soil to dry out faster.
The plant requires more water due to the increased rate of evaporation. When temperatures are low, the soil retains more moisture for a longer period, requiring less water.
Humidity
Umbrella Plant grows in high humidity because it is a tropical plant. They require at least 60% humidity to grow and grow properly.
As the air in our homes is much drier, it is recommended that we use a humidifier, pebble trays, or misting to increase the humidity level. Low humidity can cause wilted leaves, dehydrated leaves, and other issues.
Light
Light is required for plants to carry out photosynthesis, which prepares their energy and food. Since the lights are brighter, the plant stays active for a longer time to prepare its food, requiring more water as it is used more frequently.
When there is less light available, the plant becomes less active, investing less energy and causing the soil to retain moisture for longer periods.
Also Check: Umbrella Plant Light Requirements
Soil
Umbrella plants or trees prefer light, well-draining soil that is high in nutrients. Such loose soil will drain water quickly, necessitating frequent watering.
If the soil is too compact and clayey, it will require less frequent watering and is not suitable for your umbrella plant. Adding perlite or vermiculite to the soil improves its lightness and drainage.
Pot
The material and size of the pot are important factors in determining how much water the plant needs. Plants grown in plastic pots retain water for a longer time due to their nonporous texture.
Since terracotta pots are porous, they dry out faster than plastic pots. Larger pots hold more moisture than smaller pots, which evaporate faster due to the smaller soil volume.
What Happens If Your Umbrella Plant is overwatered?
Umbrella plants are tough and do not give up easily. They prefer slightly moist soil. However, this is not the same as wet soil.
Watering without first determining whether the soil requires water results in overwatering. It can withstand being overwatered for a short time.
However, if the overwatering is consistent, the plant may suffer. Overwatering is one of the most common causes of plant death and, if not avoided, can lead to serious problems. When a plant is overwatered, it will exhibit some common symptoms.
Let us explain those signs and how you should respond.
Yellow Foliage
Overwatering is frequently indicated by yellow leaves. If you notice this on your plant, you can trim the leaves and reduce watering.
Droopy Leaves
Droopy, wilted leaves are another telltale sign of overwatering. When the soil becomes saturated with water, the roots struggle to obtain oxygen. This causes the plant to become weak and droopy.
Weak Stems
Due to a lack of oxygen and necessary nutrients, the umbrella tree becomes weak and mushy.
Fungus Development
Long-term overwatering promotes fungus growth in the soil. The soggy, mucky soil, which prevents all air circulation, serves as a breeding ground for pathogens that kill the plant. The best option is to repot in fresh soil after changing the soil.
Infestations of Pests
Pests such as mealybugs, scales, and aphids attack the weakened plant and suck up its nutrients.
Rotting Roots
This is the last stage of an umbrella plant that has been overwatered. The soggy soil restricts all oxygen flow, causing the roots to suffocate and rot, eventually killing the umbrella tree. To save the plant, you must remove the rotten parts immediately and repot them.
How can you keep your Umbrella Plant from being overwatered?
You must keep a few things in mind if you want to prevent the overwatering issues mentioned above.
- Don’t water according to the same schedule all year long.
- During the fall and winter, watering should be minimized.
- Always check the soil first to determine whether watering is necessary if you are unsure of when to water.
- So that the extra moisture in the soil can evaporate, keep your Umbrella Plant in an area with adequate light and airflow.
- To allow the roots of your umbrella plant to breathe and excess water to drain, use light, loamy soil that drains well.
- Don’t forget to empty the bottom saucers.
- Never grow a plant in pots without drainage holes.
What Happens If You Underwater Your Umbrella Plant?
Even though umbrella plants are drought-tolerant, they can go for a while without water. For this plant, underwatering is less harmful than overwatering.
However, if they are submerged for an extended time, it may have an impact on their health and growth, leaving them dehydrated and weak.
You must watch out for the signs of underwatering that your plant will exhibit because treating an underwatered umbrella plant is simpler than treating an overwatered one.
Sagging Leaves
Droopy leaves can indicate many problems, including under-watering. The leaves start to wilt and droop to conserve what little water the plant has when it is not given enough water for a while.
A Brown Leaf
If the plant remains submerged, the leaves will eventually turn brown and yellow. These leaves must be removed because they cannot be made green once more.
Dry Ground
Underwatering will cause the soil to quickly become dry, which will cause problems like leaching and dried-out, shriveled plants.
Spherical Leaves
Without water, the leaves will shrivel up and eventually fall off.
Restricted Growth
Lack of water will decrease the plant’s ability to push out new growth, slowing the plant’s growth.
Do I need to mist my Umbrella Plant?
Umbrella plants benefit greatly from misting. The leaves are cleaned, the plants’ humidity is increased, and bugs and dust are kept off of them.
This keeps bugs and pests away while assisting the plant’s efficient photosynthetic process. The umbrella plant’s visual appeal is further enhanced by the clean, shiny leaves.
Conclusion
The umbrella plant is an interesting houseplant that is not fussy, but you must meet its care requirements correctly. They are quite hardy and will tolerate infrequently incorrect watering. However, you must not neglect it for an extended time, as this will harm its health.
We hope that this article has helped answer any questions you had. Let us know in the comments what you feel is the best way to care for an umbrella plant.
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