While the most important factor in choosing an indoor plant is giving it the right site, the most important factor in keeping your plant healthy and happy is watering. By bringing plants indoors, we have taken on the job of Mother Nature, charged with supplying what the plant will need to thrive. To provide the amount of water in the right way to your plant, you need to know what it likes. There are plants that need to be moist all of the time and others that like to stay almost dry. Take a few minutes to learn what your plant would prefer before you water.

What is the most common mistake in watering? Far more plants are damaged by too much water than anything else. By the time a plant shows the symptoms of over-watering, it has usually been severely stressed and may not have the strength to recover.

Are there any basic rules of watering? There are a few basics that hold true for all plants. In warmer areas, plants will need more water; plants that get more light generally use more water; plants in small pots dry out more quickly than large pots; and plants in clay pots dry out more quickly than those in plastic.

Why do some plants need more water than others? Blooming requires extra water, as does quick growth. Plants with very large or soft leaves tend to need more water than plants with small or leathery, tough leaves. Environmental conditions will also affect how much water plants need, such as the type of container used, light, temperature and humidity.

Can different pots really make that much difference? Pots that are porous (such as unglazed clay) allow moisture to pass through the sides of the container and are good for plants, but require more frequent watering. Plastic and glazed pots dry out more slowly, often leading to over-watering.

How often should I water my plant? It would be great if we could say "Water once a week," but we can't. At first, you will have to check to see if a plant needs water or you will begin to have problems. After you have had the plant for a while, you will begin to know just by looking at it.

How do I tell if a plant is dry? Determining how dry or wet a plant is can be as simple as feeling the soil or you can use a moisture meter. When touching the soil, press hard or dig down a half inch or so and note if you still feel moisture. Observe the foliage for signs of wilting.

If I find the plant is dry, should I water? Unless you know your plant is one that prefers to stay dry, go ahead and water. Plants with fleshy, leathery, waxy or succulent leaves tend to like it dry and can go weeks without water, even in the summer.

Is there a best way to water? Plants prefer a good soaking when they are watered, as opposed to frequent, light watering. In containers with good drainage and a saucer, you simply add water until it is coming out the drain hole or filled to the rim. Wait 10-15 minutes for excess water to drain, then empty the saucer.

It seems like the water runs through my plant so quickly and is dry a day or two later. Why? Look to see if the plant has gotten so dry that it has pulled away from the sides of the pot, allowing the water to pass straight through. Add new soil to fill the gap and water again. Another possibility is that most of the soil has washed away and has been replaced by roots. That plant should be repotted.

How should I water plants that cannot tolerate water on the leaves? You can either part the leaves and carefully apply the water directly to the soil or let the plant soak up the water from below.

Is there a way to save a plant that got too dry? If it hasn't gone too far, you can usually save a plant by giving it a good soaking in a sink or bathtub, and if the leaves don't mind, a shower.

Can I do anything to help a plant that has been kept too wet? This can be more difficult. Ease the plant out of the pot and examine the roots and smell the soil. If the roots are mushy or black, you should probably just throw the plant away. If the most of the roots seem healthy, and the soil smells good, simply put it back in the pot and keep it drier. If the roots seem o.k., but the soil smells bad, replace as much of the potting soil as possible and keep the plant drier.

Is it best to mix my fertilizer in the water? Mixing your fertilizer, liquid or water soluble, in your water is the easiest for both you and your plant.

Is humidity important? Most homes have much lower humidity than is ideal for plants (except cactus and succulents). There are several things you can do to increase humidity without making your home muggy. Try misting the leaves, placing the plants on humidity trays, keeping your plants in kitchens or bathrooms where humidity is naturally higher or grouping the plants together so they will form their own zone of humidity.

What can I do about a plant that always seems dry? Check to see if it is root bound or if the soil has pulled away from the sides of the pots. Repot the plant giving it fresh potting soil that will hold more moisture.

What can I do about a plant that always seems wet? If you aren't over-watering it, but the plant still seems to stay wet, check to make sure the container is draining properly. Another possibility is to replace the potting soil with a better quality mixture.

How should I water in a container that doesn't have any drainage? This can be a problem. Watch the plant for signs of needing water and check the soil to see if you can still feel moisture. Water conservatively.

Why do they say to be extra careful watering after repotting a plant? For the first few weeks, the fresh potting mix added around the root mass will not have any feeder roots to draw out the water. This soil will hold the moisture much longer than you are used to.

I often see containers that say they are self watering. Do they work? Most self-watering containers have a reservoir of water that is wicked up to the plant as it is needed. This works well for plants that need a constant supply of moisture, but can cause problems with plants that prefer to dry out between watering. You will still need to check the water level in the reservoir regularly.