WATER ADDICTION INDEX
Watering is where most growers screw the whole thing up. Some plants want to be bone-dry and borderline ignored. Others start dying out of spite the second the soil gets dusty. This is how we break down who you can ghost — and who’ll ghost you if you miss a day.
What It Means:
Watering might sound basic — but most plant deaths start with a sloppy pour. It’s not about dumping water and hoping for the best. Some plants want drought, others want damp — and screwing that up means brown leaves, sad roots, or straight-up death. This scale tells you what kind of drinker you’re dealing with, so you’re not out here guessing like a rookie.
Desert Monk:
Water? Maybe next month.
Built for drought. Overwatering is the real killer here.
🧠 Pro Tip: These plants store moisture in their stems or leaves — think cacti and succulents. Use a gritty, fast-draining mix and skip the watering schedule altogether. Wait for bone-dry soil plus shriveled flesh.
Chill Sipper:
Once the soil’s dry, give it a taste.
A balanced drinker. Keep an eye, but no need to stress.
🧠 Pro Tip: These plants want consistency but don’t need babysitting. Use your finger, not a calendar. If the top inch is dry, it’s time. Let the pot fully drain after watering — no sitting in swamp juice.
Routine Guzzler:
Gets pissy if you forget.
Wants consistent moisture. Likes that routine.
🧠 Pro Tip: These plants want slightly moist soil at all times. Not soggy, but never bone-dry. A moisture meter helps, or set a reminder — because these divas don’t forgive dehydration.
Hydro Addict:
Moist or die. No excuses.
Miss a day and it shows. Loves wet feet and high drama.
🧠 Pro Tip: These are your swamp lovers. They want high humidity and consistently wet soil. Use a moisture-retaining mix and water trays. Skip these unless you’re dedicated or into plant drama.
Miss a day and it shows. Loves wet feet and high drama.
Ready to Level Up??
The Water Addiction Index helps you understand how often your plant wants a drink — it’s featured in every one of our care guides. Once you know your plant’s thirst level, we’ve got the soil that can keep up.
