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Hand Watering Methods
Tips on the traditional ways of watering
Top Watering
This is very good at flushing away any excess fertilizer salts that collect in the plant, but it can be an ineffective watering method. If the soil pulls away from the sides of the pot, water will run right through. Some fragile plants are also very susceptible to damage when water gets on them. A much better method for plants such as this is:
Bottom Watering
To ensure thorough watering, this method is best. Fill the saucer that the pot rests on, letting the plant drink as much as it wants. Remember to empty the saucer after 30 minutes to avoid letting the plant set too long in water, which can lead to root rot.
Total Immersion
A bit drastic, but it does insure that water reaches the entire plant. Place the plant into a sink or container so that water is one inch over the top of the pot. After all the bubbles have disappeared, take the pot out and let it drip dry.