"Water once a week" is the worst advice in plant care, because a schedule can't see your plant, pot, or room. That said, each plant type has a reliable range. Here's the plant-by-plant guide, followed by the factors that change everything.

Watering by Plant Type

  • Succulents and cacti: every 2-4 weeks — only when the soil is completely dry. They store water in their leaves.
  • Snake plants, ZZ, jade: every 2-4 weeks; let soil dry fully.
  • Tropical foliage (monstera, philodendron, pothos, aglaonema): every 7-10 days — when the top 2 inches of soil are dry.
  • Peace lily: every 7-10 days; it wilts dramatically when thirsty and recovers quickly.
  • Spider plants: every 7-10 days, when the top inch dries.
  • Calatheas and prayer plants: every 5-7 days; keep soil lightly moist, never soggy.
  • Ferns (Boston, maidenhair, bird's nest): every 2-4 days; they want consistently moist soil and high humidity.
  • Palms: every 1-2 weeks, when the top 2 inches dry.
  • Phalaenopsis orchids: every 7-10 days; soak the bark and let it drain — the roots need air.
  • Herbs (basil, mint, parsley): every 1-3 days; keep soil consistently moist.

The Four Factors That Change Every Rule

  1. Light: more light means faster drying. A plant in a bright window may need water twice as often as the same plant in a dim corner.
  2. Pot size and material: small pots and unglazed terracotta dry fast; big plastic pots stay wet for weeks.
  3. Season: most plants grow and drink more in spring/summer, far less in winter.
  4. Soil: chunky, gritty mixes drain fast; dense peat-based soil holds water.

How to Check Without Guessing

  • Finger test: push a finger 2 inches into the soil. Dry = water, damp = wait.
  • Weight test: lift the pot. Light = dry, heavy = wet. You'll learn the difference fast.
  • Moisture meter: useful for deep pots and consistent watering.

Signs You're Getting It Wrong

Too much water: yellowing lower leaves, mushy stems, mold on soil, fungus gnats. Too little: crispy brown edges, drooping leaves, soil pulling away from the pot.

Every plant in the AI Planter database includes its exact watering frequency and method — identify your plant and the care plan does the remembering.