Apply enough water to container plants so that some water drains from the bottom. Drainage water should flow freely away from the container so that water doesn't collect around the base. If the container is sitting in a saucer, wait for all of the water to drain through (10 to 15 minutes is adequate for most plants), then empty the water from the saucer. Sometimes the drainage hole becomes blocked and water accumulates inside the container rather than flowing out. Make sure the container drains after you've watered. If it doesn't, poke a stick up into the drainage hole to loosen compacted soil. Water again when the soil just below the surface is barely moist. In large containers (more than 10 inches wide and 10 inches high), water when the soil 1 to 2 inches below the surface is barely moist. Plants in containers without drainage holes are difficult to water properly. Water accumulates in the bottom of the container, causing root rot. If the soil in a container is allowed to become too dry, it may be difficult to rewet. Instead of penetrating the soil, the water runs down the inside edge of the container and immediately drains out the bottom. To wet the soil, soak the container in a tub or sink full of water for a few hours. The rim of the container should be submerged. Or add a soil penetrant (available in garden centers) to the irrigation water.
Related Links
About Watering
Examining Plant Roots
How Much Water to Apply
How Water Moves in Soil
Oedema
Planting in Containers
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