Watering Can Next To Indoor Potted Plant
too much water
(Image credit: KenTannenbaum)

While most people know that too little water can kill a plant, they are surprised to find out that too much water for a plant can kill it too.

How Can You Tell Plants Have Too Much Water?

The signs of an overwatered plant are:

The signs of plants affected by too much water are very similar to plants that have too little water.

Why are Plants Affected by Too Much Water?

The reason for plants affected by too much water is that plants need to breathe. They breathe through their roots and when there is too much water, the roots cannot take in gases. It is actually slowly suffocating when there is too much water for a plant.

How Can You Overwater Plants?

How can you overwater plants? Normally this happens when a plant owner is too attentive to their plants or if there is a drainage problem. How can you tell plants have enough water? Feel the top of the soil before you water. If the soil is damp, the plant does not need more water. Water only when the soil surface is dry. Also, if you find that your plant has a drainage problem that is causing too much water for a plant, then correct this issue as soon as possible.

If You Overwater a Plant, Will It Still Grow?

This may have you asking "If you overwater a plant, will it still grow?" Yes, it can still grow, provided that the issue that caused too much water for the plant is corrected. If you suspect that you have plants affected by too much water, address the problems as quickly as possible so that you can save your plant.

Heather Rhoades
Founder of Gardening Know How

Heather Rhoades founded Gardening Know How in 2007. She holds degrees from Cleveland State University and Northern Kentucky University. She is an avid gardener with a passion for community, and is a recipient of the Master Gardeners of Ohio Lifetime Achievement Award.