How Much Water Does Artillery Plant Need? A Complete Guide

Watering appropriately is one of the most important aspects of caring for an artillery plant. Proper watering helps the plant thrive while too much or too little water can cause major problems. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about watering artillery plants.

The artillery plant, also known as Pilea microphylla, is a popular houseplant native to tropical regions of Central and South America It gets its common name from the interesting way its flowers release pollen in little “explosions” This unique plant is loved for its decorative, fern-like foliage and easy care requirements.

What Factors Influence Artillery Plant Water Needs?

There are a few key factors that affect how much water an artillery plant needs:

• Lighting: Plants in brighter light need more frequent watering. An artillery plant in a low-light spot may only need water every 10-14 days, while one in a sunny window could need water every 5-7 days.

• Temperature: Warmer temperatures cause faster evaporation, so plants in hot spots dry out quicker and require more water.

• Humidity: Higher humidity means less frequent watering. In dry indoor air, an artillery plant loses moisture faster.

• Soil Type: Quick-draining soil mixtures require more frequent watering than moisture-retentive soil.

• Pot Size: Plants in smaller pots need more frequent watering than those in larger pots.

• Season: Plants need more water in the active growing seasons of spring and summer.

How Often Should You Water Artillery Plant?

On average, artillery plants need watering about once every 7-10 days. However, you should adjust this general guideline based on your specific growing conditions.

Here are some tips for determining watering frequency:

• For a 5-inch pot in medium light, water when the top inch of soil is dry. This is typically every 7-9 days.

• In brighter light, check soil every 5-6 days and water when the top half-inch is dry.

• In low light, allow soil to dry 1-2 inches deep before watering, which may take 10-14 days.

• In warmer and drier conditions, watering every 5-7 days is usually needed.

• In cooler temperatures and higher humidity, stretch waterings to every 10-14 days.

• Feel the soil rather than sticking to a set schedule, since plants use water at different rates.

How to Water Artillery Plant Properly

When watering your artillery plant, follow these tips:

• Water thoroughly until water drains from the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot. This ensures the entire root zone is hydrated.

• Avoid allowing the pot to sit in water for prolonged periods, as this can lead to root rot. Empty drainage trays after watering.

• Use room temperature water, as cold water can shock plant roots.

• Water in the morning so leaves have time to dry out before night, reducing disease risk.

• Add water until it runs out the bottom, then stop. Don’t oversaturate the soil.

• Use filtered or distilled water if possible, as artillery plants prefer pure water.

• Stick your finger in the soil to check moisture before watering. Only water when the top 1-2 inches are dry.

How Much Water Does an Artillery Plant Need per Watering?

The amount of water needed per watering depends on the pot size. Here are some general guidelines:

• 2-3 inch pot: 2-4 tablespoons water

• 4 inch pot: 1/4 cup water

• 5 inch pot: 1/3 to 1/2 cup water

• 6 inch pot: 1/2 to 3/4 cup water

• 8-10 inch pot: 1 to 1 1/4 cups water

These are approximate amounts that should be adjusted based on your specific conditions. With experience, you will get a feel for when your plant needs water.

Signs Your Artillery Plant Needs Water

Watch for these cues that your artillery plant is thirsty:

• Soil is dry 1-2 inches deep

• Leaves feel limp or droopy

• Leaves appear wrinkled or curled

• Plant looks wilted, especially in the heat

• Leaves are dull rather than shiny

• New growth is smaller than usual

Signs Your Artillery Plant is Overwatered

Too much water can harm your artillery plant. Watch for these issues:

• Soil stays soggy for days after watering

• Mushy, translucent leaves

• Yellow leaves or leaf drop

• Root rot (black, mushy roots)

• Mold or fungus on the soil surface

• Buds or stems fall off easily

Tips to Avoid Overwatering Artillery Plant

To prevent overwatering:

• Allow soil to dry out between waterings.

• Ensure pot has drainage holes and use well-draining soil.

• Water only when top inch of soil is dry.

• Water thoroughly until it drains out the bottom, then discard excess water.

• Avoid standing water in saucers under pots.

• Water less in low light and cool conditions.

• Check for rotting roots and repot if affected.

Ideal Soil Moisture for Artillery Plant

Artillery plants thrive when the soil moisture is kept consistently even, rather than staying overly wet or dry. Here are some tips for maintaining ideal moisture levels:

• Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil become dry. Avoid allowing the entire pot to dry out.

• Use your finger to check soil moisture before watering. Learn the feel of properly hydrated soil.

• Allow excess water to drain fully after watering, so soil is moist but not sodden.

• Add pebbles or gravel to the pot’s drainage holes to improve drainage.

• Use a moisture meter to easily check soil moisture levels.

• If soil stays wet for days after watering, add more perlite or orchid bark to improve drainage.

Outdoor Artillery Plant Watering Tips

If you are growing artillery plant outdoors, follow these watering best practices:

• Water whenever rainfall has been scarce, about 1-2 times per week in hot, dry weather.

• Provide additional water if planted in sandy soil, which drains faster than clay.

• Install a drip irrigation system on a timer to provide consistent water.

• Use rain barrels to collect rainwater for irrigation.

• Add 2-3 inches of organic mulch around plants to retain moisture.

• Reduce watering frequency in cooler months and rainy periods.

How to Water Artillery Plant While on Vacation

If you’ll be away, here are some tips to keep your artillery plants watered:

• Move the plant to a shadier spot, to slow soil drying.

• Use a self-watering container like a hydro spike, which provides gradual, continuous water.

• Place pots in trays filled with pebbles and water. The pebbles wick moisture into the soil.

• Ask a friend to water while you’re gone. Give clear instructions on frequency and amounts.

• Group multiple plants together. The combined canopy will create humidity and slow evaporation.

Key Takeaways on Artillery Plant Water Needs

• Check soil with your finger before watering, and only water when the top 1-2 inches are dry.

• Water until it flows from the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot, then discard excess.

• Increase frequency in brighter light and warmer temperatures.

• Allow more time to dry out in lower light and humidity.

• Watch for signs of under or overwatering and adjust as needed.

• Use room temperature, filtered water for best results.

By understanding artillery plant preferences, providing the right amount of water, and adjusting to your specific conditions, you can keep your plant thriving for years to come!