Water thoroughly, then let it drain

When the finger test says it is time, water properly. Pour slowly over the whole surface of the mix until water runs out of the drainage holes. That way every part of the root ball gets wet, not just the top layer or one side.

Then comes the step many people skip: empty the saucer. A pot left standing in water keeps its lower layers soaked, and roots there run out of air and start to rot. The same goes for decorative outer pots without holes. Lift the plant out, water it in the sink or over a tray, let it finish dripping, then put it back. Virginia Cooperative Extension warns against leaving pots sitting in water for more than about an hour.

Use water at room temperature. Very cold water can shock roots, which matters most in cooler months or for a plant that has been sitting in a warm room. Virginia Cooperative Extension suggests watering in the morning, so the pot can drain during the day.

Small sips every day are not a gentle alternative: they wet only the top layer, while the extension advice is to soak the whole root ball and then let it drain.