Caring for plants is a balancing act, and watering is at the heart of it. Too much water can suffocate roots, while too little leaves them weak and thirsty.

For Lykkers who love their leafy companions, recognizing the difference between overwatering and underwatering is the key to keeping plants healthy. This guide will help you spot the signs, understand what your plants are trying to tell you, and adjust your care routine with confidence.

Spotting Overwatered Plants

It’s tempting to think that giving your plants extra water is always good, but too much can do more harm than help. Overwatered plants often show subtle signals before things get worse, so knowing what to look for makes all the difference.

Wilting Despite Wet Soil

If your plant looks droopy but the soil feels soggy, that’s a classic sign of overwatering. The roots can’t breathe properly when constantly soaked, and the plant struggles to take up nutrients.

Yellowing Leaves

Leaves that turn yellow from the bottom up often point to too much water. While yellowing can sometimes mean other issues, checking the soil first helps confirm if it’s a watering problem.

Mushy Stems or Leaves

Soft stems or leaves are red flags. They indicate that the plant’s tissue is waterlogged. At this stage, roots may already be stressed, so it’s important to let the soil dry out before watering again.

Spotting Underwatered Plants

On the flip side, underwatering leaves plants weak and struggling to grow. The good news is that plants usually show clear signs when they’re thirsty, making it easier for you to adjust your routine.

Dry and Brittle Leaves

If leaves feel dry, crispy, or brittle to the touch, your plant is likely underwatered. This happens because the plant is conserving what little moisture it has left.

Soil Pulling Away

Check the soil: if it’s pulling away from the edges of the container and feels dusty, the plant hasn’t had enough water. This makes it harder for roots to absorb moisture when you do water, so give it a thorough soak.

Slow Growth and Drooping

Underwatered plants may stop producing new leaves or flowers. They also wilt, but unlike overwatered plants, the soil will feel dry when you check it. Pairing drooping with dry soil is a clear clue that water is overdue.

Watering plants isn’t about guessing—it’s about observing. Overwatered plants often show signs like yellowing leaves, soggy soil, and mushy stems, while underwatered plants reveal themselves through crispy leaves, dry soil, and slow growth. For Lykkers, the trick is simple: listen to what your plants are showing you and adjust gently. With a little awareness, you’ll find the sweet spot where your plants thrive, leaving you with greener leaves, brighter blooms, and a lot less worry.