Bottom Watering vs. Top Watering: Which Method is Best?

Whether you’re growing your first pothos or maintaining a full-blown indoor jungle in Ames, Iowa, one question eventually comes up for every plant parent: Should I be watering from the top or the bottom?

At Holub Greenhouses, we field this question all the time from houseplant lovers all over Central Iowa. The answer? It depends on the plant, the pot, and how you water.

Let’s break down the pros and cons of bottom watering vs. top watering, and help you choose the method your plants will thank you for.

What Is Bottom Watering?

Bottom watering means placing your plant’s pot in a tray or sink filled with water, allowing the soil to absorb moisture through the drainage holes.

How to Bottom Water Your Plants:

1. Fill a shallow tray or sink with about 1–2 inches of water.
2. Place the pot (with drainage holes) into the water.
3. Let it sit for 10–30 minutes, or until the top of the soil feels moist.
4. Remove the pot and let it drain thoroughly.
5. Repeat when the top inch of your soil is dry.

What Is Top Watering?

Top watering is the traditional method, watering the soil surface with a watering can until excess water drains out the bottom.

How to Top Water Your Plants:

1. Water evenly until water drains from the bottom.
2. Empty any water that collects in saucers to prevent root rot.
3. Avoid splashing water on leaves prone to spotting or mold (e.g., African violets).

Pros and Cons of Bottom Watering

Pros of Bottom Watering Your Plants:

• Ensures even soil moisture
  
• Reduces the risk of overwatering the topsoil
  
• Helps prevent fungus gnats (which thrive in moist topsoil)
  
• Ideal for plants with sensitive leaves
  

Cons of Bottom Watering Your Plants:

• Slower process than top watering
  
• Doesn’t flush out excess salts or mineral buildup
  
• Not ideal for compacted or poorly draining soil
  

Pros and Cons of Top Watering

Pros of Top Watering Your Plants:

• Fast and easy
  
• Helps flush excess fertilizer salts
  
• Simulates natural rainwater flow
  
• Ideal for plants in breathable pots (like terra cotta)
  

Cons of Top Watering Your Plants:

• Can cause uneven watering if you pour too quickly
  
• Leaves topsoil wet—can attract gnats or mold
  
• Risk of water sitting on foliage (some plants are sensitive)
  

Which Plants Prefer Bottom Watering?

Bottom watering is a great method for plants that:

• Hate water on their leaves (e.g., African Violets)
  
• Are prone to root rot if overwatered
  
• Need consistent soil moisture, like:
  
  • Calathea
    
  • Peperomia
    
  • Fittonia (Nerve Plant)
    
  • Prayer Plants
    

It’s also helpful for reviving hydrophobic soil—when the soil is so dry that water runs off the surface instead of soaking in.

Which Plants Prefer Top Watering?

Top watering works best for:

• Plants that don’t mind surface moisture (e.g., Pothos, Spider Plants, Philodendron)
  
• Large or deep containers that are difficult to bottom-water
  
• Plants that benefit from flushing out salt buildup, such as:
  
  • Dracaena
    
  • Fiddle Leaf Fig
    
  • Rubber Plant
    

Bonus Tips for Watering Success

• Use pots with drainage holes. No matter how you water, this is non-negotiable.
  
• Use room temperature water. Cold water can shock roots.
  
• Watch for signs of overwatering (yellowing leaves, soggy soil) or underwatering (wilting, dry soil).
  
• Rotate your method. Some plant parents alternate between bottom and top watering for balance.
  

Ask the Plant Care Experts at Holub Greenhouses

Not sure which method is right for your specific plant? Visit Holub Greenhouses in Ames, Iowa today to shop our full collection of houseplants and ask all your watering questions in person. We’re here to help you grow your greenthumb, one healthy root system at a time.