Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a medicinal herb that has become quite popular in recent years. From reducing anxiety and stress to boosting brain function and fertility, ashwagandha offers many benefits. However, in order to reap the rewards of this healing plant, you need to provide proper care – especially when it comes to watering. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about watering ashwagandha plants successfully.
Overview of Ashwagandha’s Water Requirements
Being native to hot, dry regions of India and North Africa ashwagandha is adapted to thrive in arid conditions. Although it needs regular irrigation it should never be overwatered or kept soggy. Excess moisture can easily cause root rot and damage the plant. The keys to watering ashwagandha properly include
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Watering only when the top 2 inches of soil become dry
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Providing thorough deep watering to soak the entire root zone
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Allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings
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Ensuring excellent drainage to prevent waterlogging
Getting familiar with the plant’s growth stages, soil needs and climatic factors can help determine optimal watering frequency and volume.
Water Needs During Different Growth Stages
Ashwagandha’s water requirements vary across its lifecycle:
Germination & Seedling Stage
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Seeds need consistently moist soil for 1-2 weeks to sprout successfully.
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Water lightly daily or every alternate day.
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Reduce watering once seedlings are established.
Active Growth Phase
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Period of rapid vegetation growth requires more frequent watering.
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Check soil 2-3 inches deep and water when top layer dries out.
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Water thoroughly 1-2 times per week depending on climate.
Flowering & Fruiting Stage
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Requires less frequent but deeper watering to support buds and fruits.
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Monitor soil moisture at 6 inches depth and water only when dry.
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Water thoroughly once every 7-10 days depending on heat levels.
Dormancy
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Greatly reduce watering frequency as plant goes dormant in winter.
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Give light watering every 2-3 weeks just to prevent wilting.
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Avoid keeping the soil too wet during dormancy.
Soil – A Key Factor in Watering Needs
The soil makeup significantly influences how fast the soil dries out and how much water the ashwagandha plant needs:
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Sandy soil – Drains quickly after watering and dries out faster. Needs more frequent watering.
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Clay soil – Retains more water and takes longer to dry out. Requires less frequent watering.
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Loamy soil – Offers a balance between water drainage and retention. Moderate watering needs.
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Potted plants – Use well-draining potting mix. Requires more frequent watering than in-ground plants.
Environmental Factors that Affect Water Requirements
Local climate, weather patterns and growing conditions also impact ashwagandha’s irrigation needs:
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Hot & dry weather – Causes faster moisture loss from soil and plants. Increases water needs.
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Cooler temperatures – Reduce the rate of evapotranspiration. Lowers water needs.
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High winds – Lead to faster soil drying. Can require additional watering.
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Low humidity – Increases transpiration rates in plants. Raises water requirements.
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Shade vs. full sun – Shaded plants need less frequent watering than those in full sun.
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Indoor vs. outdoor – Indoor plants need less watering than those exposed to outdoor conditions.
Best Practices for Watering Ashwagandha
Follow these best practices to ensure your ashwagandha plants get just the right amount of water:
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Check soil moisture 2-3 inches deep before watering. Water only when top layer is partly dry.
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Prefer drip irrigation or gentle watering at soil level with a hose. Avoid overhead watering.
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Water slowly and deeply – like a gentle rain – to soak the entire root zone and leach salts.
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Schedule morning watering to minimize evaporation loss. Avoid overhead watering at night.
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Adjust frequency and volume based on soil, climate, and plant’s growth stage as covered earlier.
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Observe plant signals like wilting leaves to identify under or overwatering and adjust accordingly.
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Ensure proper spacing between plants for sufficient air circulation to minimize fungal issues.
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Add organic mulch around plants to help retain soil moisture longer.
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In dry climates, build a berm (ridge) around plants to hold more water near the roots.
Identifying Underwatering & Overwatering
Being attentive to visual cues can help identify if your ashwagandha plants need more or less water:
Signs of Underwatering:
- Wilting, drooping, or curling leaves
- Leaves appearing dull, grayish or browned
- Stunted growth
- Soil pulling away from pot edges
Signs of Overwatering:
- Yellowing leaves
- Mushy, black, or foul-smelling roots
- Leaf drop
- White fungal growth on leaves or soil
- Soil remains wet for days after watering
Getting your ashwagandha watering regimen right is fundamental to growing healthy plants and reaping an abundant harvest. Adapt the frequency and volume of watering based on the plant’s growth phase, soil type, and changing weather conditions in your area. Both insufficient and excess watering can hamper plant growth and productivity. Pay close attention to visual cues from your plants and soil to adjust irrigation appropriately. With a little vigilance and care, you can master the art of watering your ashwagandha plants just right.
Finding light for Ashwagandha in your home
Ashwagandha love being close to bright, sunny windows .
Place it less than 1ft from a south-facing window to maximize the potential for growth.
Ashwagandha does not tolerate low-light .
Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement of Ashwagandha in your home .
How to fertilize Ashwagandha
Most potting soils come with ample nutrients which plants use to produce new growth.
By the time your plant has depleted the nutrients in its soil it’s likely grown enough to need a larger pot anyway.
To replenish this plants nutrients, repot your Ashwagandha after it doubles in size or once a year—whichever comes first.
Ashwagandha prefers for the soil to dry out between waterings and should be watered regularly. Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.
Ashwagandha requires abundant, bright and direct light. Place it less than one foot from a window to ensure it receives enough light to survive . Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement in your home .
Greg does not have confirmed data on this plant’s toxicity. If you, a family member, or a pet consumes plant material of unknown toxicity, it’s always best to consult a medical professional.
If you or someone else ingested this plant, call Poison Control at US (800) 222-1222. If a pet consumed this plant, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA at US (888) 426-4435.
Ashwagandha does best in well-draining soil. A good soil will contain lots of organic matter such as coco coir as well as perlite or vermiculite to help with drainage. Adding a handful of perlite to regular store-bought potting soil should do the trick!
Ashwagandha is a fast growing plant and may deplete the nutrients in its soil over time. Replenish them with a gentle organic fertilizer or compost every 1-2 months depending on your location and season. Fertilize more often during the growing season and in warmer and brighter climates.
When troubleshooting a sad-looking houseplant, start by checking for signs of distress in its leaves, such as yellowing, browning, or drooping, which can indicate overwatering or nutrient deficiencies.
Inspect the soil moisture; too dry or too wet soil can cause problems.
Ensure the plant is getting the right amount of light, as too much or too little can stress it.
Finally, consider environmental factors like temperature and humidity, and adjust care routines accordingly to revive your plant.
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