Journal/Care Basics · 5 min read
Top vs Bottom Watering: Which Is Better?
Bottom watering is having a moment. Here's the honest comparison — pros, cons, and which method your specific plant should get.
Quick answer
Both work if done right. Top watering flushes salts from the soil and mimics rain; bottom watering (soaking the pot in a tray for 15–30 minutes) guarantees the whole root ball is hydrated and keeps leaves dry. Most plants do best on a mostly-bottom, occasionally-top rotation.
The 'bottom watering' trend is more than a hashtag — for certain plants and setups it genuinely gives you healthier roots, whatever watering rhythm you follow. But it has one crucial downside almost no one talks about.
How each method works
Top watering: pour water onto the soil surface until it runs from the drainage hole. Wait 10 minutes, then tip out excess. Bottom watering: place the pot in a tray, saucer, or sink filled with 2–3 cm of water; the pot wicks moisture upward through the drainage hole. Remove when the top layer of soil feels damp — usually 15–30 minutes.
Pros and cons at a glance
Top vs bottom watering
| Factor | Top watering | Bottom watering |
|---|---|---|
| Even root hydration | Sometimes patchy | Very even |
| Flushes salts | Yes (great) | No — salts build up |
| Wet leaves risk | Yes | No |
| Works with fine soil / crust | Poor | Excellent |
| Time / effort | Fast | Slower, must monitor |
| Fungus gnats | Encourages them | Discourages them |
When to prefer bottom watering
- Plants with fuzzy leaves (African violet, calathea, gynura) that hate water on foliage.
- Peat-based soil that has dried out and gone hydrophobic — top water just rolls off.
- Fungus-gnat infested pots — dry top layer breaks the gnat life cycle.
- Anyone who forgets to come back and drain the saucer 10 minutes after top watering.
When to prefer top watering
- Every 4–6 waterings, to flush out mineral salts from fertiliser and hard tap water.
- Very large or heavy pots you can't lift into a tray.
- Plants that appreciate a leaf rinse (Monstera, ficus) to knock off dust and pests.
The routine that works for most plants
Bottom water 4 times in a row, then top water once to flush the soil. Never let a plant sit in water for more than 30 minutes — a soaked root ball for hours becomes root rot.
PlantMe adjusts your watering reminders to whichever method you use, so the intervals stay right.
Sources & further reading
Frequently asked questions
How long should I bottom water?
15–30 minutes is enough for most 10–15 cm pots. When the top layer of soil feels damp, the whole root ball is wet.
Do I need to flush the soil if I bottom water?
Yes, every 4–6 waterings. Salts otherwise concentrate at the top of the pot and burn roots.
Can I bottom water succulents?
You can, but they don't love it — succulents prefer a full soak-and-dry from the top. Bottom watering can leave the top layer too dry and the bottom too wet.
About the author
Houseplants & Indoor Styling
Wren has killed enough houseplants to know exactly why yours is struggling — and kept hundreds more thriving in a small, bright flat that doubles as her test lab. She writes about reading plants instead of following rules, and believes every windowsill deserves at least one leaf.
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