Basil is one of the most rewarding herbs to grow inside, not only because it can be used in so many recipes, but because it is a fragrant herb that adds character to your indoor herb garden. However, many people struggle with how to properly water a basil plant indoors. As a herb that likes warm temperatures and needs fairly frequent watering to thrive it can be a bit daunting knowing how to water it, especially if your a beginner to indoor gardening.
In this article we will cover all the steps you need to water you basil properly to make sure it thrives. We’ll look at:
- How much water does basil need to thrive?
- How often should you water Basil indoors?
- Signs your indoor Basil needs water
- Signs you’re overwatering your Basil
- How to Water Basil Indoors
- Watering Basil in Different Types of Pots
Why Proper Watering is Crucial for Basil
Basil is a moisture-loving herb, but it’s also sensitive to overwatering. Striking the perfect balance is key to making sure your basil stays healthy. Too much water leads to unwanted problems like root rot and diseases, while too little water can cause your plant to wilt and lose its flavor. The trick to proper watering is to adjust guidance to your conditions at home.
Always lean towards underwatering rather than overwatering if you aren’t sure how much water to give, as basil is easier to recover from symptoms of underwatering rather than overwatering.
How much water does basil need to thrive?
Every basil plant needs water, but the precise amount for each plant varies with conditions indoors. A good rule of thumb for how much water to give your basil plant living indoors every week is around 1 – 2 inches (2.5 – 5cm). It is best not to give your basil plant this much water in one watering, it should be spread out across the week as basil likes moist not waterlogged soil.
How often should you water Basil indoors?
One of the most common questions every beginner indoor gardener asks is, “How often should I water my basil?” The answer varies depending on factors in your home like temperature, humidity, and the size of your pot. Generally, a basil plant indoors requires watering every 2 days, perhaps every 4-5 days in the winter when the soil won’t dry out as quickly.
However, the best way to determine whether your basil needs water is to check the soil. To do this simply press your finger about 1 inch into the soil. If it feels dry, it’s time to water. If it feels moist, wait another day and check again. You can get soil moisture metres to check your soil, which may be worth an investment if you dislike checking the soil moisture with your finger, plus it offers a more scientific based reading.
Signs your indoor Basil needs water
A basil plant indoors tends to show you very clearly when they need water. Here are the most common signs your basil plant is thirsty:
Wilting leaves
Basil’s leaves will droop or look wilted when it needs water. If you think about how you feel when you need a drink and how your body droops, the leaves look like that feeling. If you don’t notice at this stage, your basil will continue to dehydrate, and the leaves will become brown and crispy at the tips.
Soil pulling away from the pot
When the soil is too dry, it shrinks and pulls away from the sides of the pot. This is a definite sign of underwatering in basil and you need to significantly up your watering schedule. It may also be wise to place your basil in a saucer with some water to let it get a drink.
Lack of growth
If your basil plant isn’t growing well, it might not be getting enough water. Light can also be the cause of this, so check your soil moisture before upping your watering schedule.
Signs you’re overwatering your Basil
While it’s essential to keep the soil moist, overwatering can seriously harm your basil, and root rot can be fatal. Root rot happens in basil plants when the water is saturated and the delicate root system begins to rot in the standing water. Here are a few signs your basil might be getting too much water:
- Yellowing leaves: This is often a sign of root rot caused by excessive watering.
- Mouldy soil: If you notice white mould beginning to grow on the surface of the soil, it’s a sign that you’re watering too often. It can also be a sign that there is not enough air around your basil plant, or that humidity levels are to high.
- Drooping despite wet soil: If the soil is soggy but the plant still looks wilted, it’s a sign you’ve likely overwatered.
The Best Time to Water Indoor Basil
Basil likes to be watered in a morning, and this is the best time to water your basil plant to get the best growing result. Your basil absorbs water during the day when it has sunlight and it’s actively growing. Additionally, watering early in the day helps the soil dry out by evening, reducing the risk of fungal diseases.
How to Water Basil Indoors
When watering basil indoors the way you water your basil plant matters. Not only because you don’t want to end up with water everywhere, but because the way you water your plant affects how the plant absorbs the water.
Water at the base
Although you can water basil from the top or the bottom, watering from the base is helpful. It helps to protect the delicate basil leaves from become wet and developing mould or fungal infections. It also helps to bottom water when you are initially growing your basil, as it encourages root growth. If you do water from the top, avoid pouring water on your leaves, water directly into the soil.
Use room temperature water
Basil can get a shock with cold water especially when you are growing it inside. Room temperature or slightly warm water is best, and if you can harvest some rainwater, that is even better for your plant.
Check drainage
Make sure your pot has drainage holes. Basil hates sitting in water, and this will cause your plant health problems. Good drainage is crucial to avoid overwatering and to allow your basil to absorb the nutrients it needs.
Watering Basil in different types of pots
The type of pot you plant your basil in will impact how often you need to water your plant.
Terracotta pots
These pots absorb moisture as the pot is porous. Terracotta pots are often complete unglazed, but even those that do have a glaze on the outside, don’t have a glaze inside in the walls of the pot. This means that your basil may require more frequent watering.
Plastic pots
There is nowhere for moisture to escape to in a plastic pot, so the soil retains more moisture apart from any holes in the bottom. This means you may need to water less frequently, but always check your plant.
Self-watering pots
These pots have a reservoir that provides water to the plant as needed and they are quite good for plants that like moist soil, like basil. You need to check the soil every now and then to make sure the basil is not being overwatered. This is a great option for people who often forget to water their plants and want to grow a plant like basil which does need frequent watering.
Rainwater to water your indoor basil
Use rainwater or reverse osmosis water to water your basil. Most indoor houseplants tend to prefer rainwater, so it there is a way for you to harvest this, it is the best and most affordable way to water your basil. Tap water contains fluorides which houseplants don’t really like, so if you can’t get rainwater and don’t want to buy reverse osmosis water, filtered water is your next best option for optimal indoor basil growth.
4 Common Indoor Basil Watering Mistakes to Avoid
- Watering on a fixed schedule. Always check the soil before watering. Don’t just water because it’s been a few days and you read an article. Judge for yourself using information as a guide, every basil plant will have a slightly different need.
- Letting the pot sit in water: Never allow your pot to sit in a saucer full of water constantly, as this leads to root rot.
- Using cold water: Always use room-temperature water to avoid shocking your basil’s root system.
- Watering the leaves: Wet leaves can cause mould, especially as basil likes warm temperatures, so water the base of the plant or soil instead.
FAQs About Watering Indoor Basil
1. Can I use a spray bottle to water my basil?
Yes, you can use a spray bottle to water your basil. This is an especially good idea if you have just planted your basil seeds as a light misting on the soil stops you saturating and moving the delicate seeds.
2. Should I water basil less in the winter?
Yes, indoor basil typically needs less water in winter as less water evaporates from the soil, but if you are using a grow light, that won’t be the case. When you grow basil indoors, monitor the soil and water only when necessary no matter the season.
What should I do if my basil is overwatered?
If your basil is overwatered, stop watering immediately. Consider repotting the plant into drier soil, and make sure you use soil that drains well. Also add a little fertilizer to the mix to help the plant recover.
Conclusion
Check the soil moisture regularly, don’t soak your basil and keep it in a constant environment to watch your basil will flourish in your home.
