How To Distinguish Overwatering From Underwatering Symptoms

How to Distinguish Overwatering from Underwatering Symptoms

There’s an art to keeping plants happy, and at the core of it lies one of the most misunderstood dilemmas: overwatering and underwatering. Misreading the signs can leave your leafy companions gasping for air or drowning. The trick is learning their language.

Start with the Soil

The soil always tattles first. If your plant's soil feels like a damp sponge days after watering, you’ve likely overwatered. On the other hand, if the soil crumbles in your hands like stale bread, your plant’s been parched for too long.

I once had a fiddle leaf fig that fooled me into thinking it needed more water because its leaves drooped. Turned out, the soil was a soggy mess. A quick finger test could’ve saved me weeks of guilt and yellowing leaves.

Leaf Drama: Drooping vs. Curling

Drooping is the universal SOS of plants, but here’s the nuance: overwatered leaves are limp and feel soft or mushy. They’re like wet tissues that just give up. Underwatered leaves, however, curl inward and feel dry, almost crispy.

Picture this: I once ignored my pothos’ curling leaves, convincing myself it was acclimating to a new spot. Spoiler: it was underwatered. One long drink later, those curls unfurled triumphantly.

Color Code: Yellow, Brown, and Beyond

Yellow leaves are often the hallmark of overwatering. When roots sit in waterlogged soil, they suffocate, and the plant throws in the towel. Conversely, brown, crunchy leaf tips scream dehydration.

“Overwatering is the number one cause of indoor plant death, with root rot claiming countless lives annually.”

My monstera once sported yellow leaves despite religious watering. I realized the pot lacked drainage holes. Rookie mistake? Maybe. But even experienced gardeners trip when the plants stay silent for too long.

Root Check: The Autopsy Test

If all else fails, pull back the curtain—literally. Gently remove the plant from its pot and inspect the roots. Healthy roots are white or pale and firm to the touch. Overwatered plants often have mushy, blackened roots that smell faintly of decay. Underwatered plants will have dry, brittle roots.

This method saved an African violet I initially deemed a lost cause. Trimming away its rotting roots and repotting it in fresh soil gave it a second life. It’s bloomed every year since.

Recovery Plan: Fixing Your Mistakes

For Overwatered Plants:

• Stop watering immediately and let the soil dry out.
• Remove any dead or yellowing leaves to reduce stress.
• If root rot is present, trim off affected roots and transfer to fresh, well-draining soil.

Switching to a terracotta pot has been a game-changer for me. Its porous nature wicks away excess moisture like a charm.

For Underwatered Plants:

• Water slowly and evenly until the soil is fully saturated.
• Trim off any dead, crispy leaves to encourage new growth.
• Stick to a consistent watering schedule—alarm reminders help.

Once, I rehabilitated a crispy fern by soaking its entire pot in water for ten minutes. It bounced back like it had never been thirsty. Plants can be weirdly forgiving.

Final Thoughts

Reading your plants isn’t complicated, but it demands attention. Overwatering and underwatering play out like a tragic comedy in slow motion, but your plants will always give you clues if you’re paying attention. And when in doubt? Check the soil. It never lies.

If there's one piece of advice to be taken away from distinguishing overwatering from underwatering symptoms, it's to observe your plants with curiosity and cultivate an environment in which your plants have the opportunity to be both deeply nourished and stress-free. With proper attention and discretion, your garden is sure to flourish!