The watering methods require that you check on your plants regularly and water them only when they need it. This is the watering on demand system and it inevitably generates the best results. Part of the watering on demand process involves the drench-and-let-dry method — water plants thoroughly, and then let them almost dry out before watering them again.
Almost dry isn't the same as dry. Ferns and other thin-leafed plants never like their potting mix to go anywhere beyond the almost-dry stage. As soon as their mix becomes dry to the touch, water them without delay. Cacti and other succulents, as well as many other thick-leafed plants, don't mind if their soil dries out. Those plants can go a few days with dry soil, or even go weeks without watering if they are in a dormant state.
Check each plant every three to four days and water only those plants that need it.
If you use the watering on demand routine, you probably discover that you tend to water the following plants more often than others:
Plants growing in clay pots
Plants with large or thin leaves
Plants with thin stems
Plants in full growth
Underpotted plants
You can also expect to water more often if any of the following environmental conditions exist:
High temperatures
Strong sunlight or other bright light
Dry air
Air movement, such as a breeze coming through a window
You probably find that you water the following plants less often than your other plants:
Plants in plastic pots
Plants with thick, waxy, or hairy leaves, or with no leaves at all
Plants with thick stems, such as you see on succulents
Weak or sick plants
Resting or dormant plants
Overpotted or freshly repotted plants
You can also expect to water less often if any of the following environmental conditions exist:
Low temperatures
Cloudy days or dim light
Humid air
Little or no air movement
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