14 Plants That Need You to Back Off the Watering Can

Can watering your plants actually kill them? As surprising as it sounds, yes, overwatering is one of the most common reasons why plants fail to thrive.

Even if you have the greenest thumb, it’s easy to get a little generous with the watering can. The truth is, many plants that come from dry or semi-arid environments can easily survive with minimal moisture. When they receive more water than they can handle, it suffocates the plant and results in dampening, wilting, and root rot.

Most houseplant issues arise from excessive watering or poor drainage. But overwatering doesn’t mean the amount of water; it’s often about the frequency of watering. If soil stays constantly damp, it promotes bacteria and mold, damages delicate root hairs, and prevents the plant from absorbing nutrients. Some plants can handle a lot of water, but only if the soil dries out completely between waterings.

So, knowing when to water is important if you want to see your plants flourish. These 14 stunning plants are easily overwatered, and following these tips can prevent you from turning your potting soil into a swamp.

Turning to the Experts

We gathered this information by examining horticultural studies, expert plant care guides, such as Plantdesert.com, Shuncy.com, and plantpropagation.org, and practical insights from professional growers. 

We recommended plant care tips based on common conditions in typical indoor environments. We focused on drainage, light, and watering habits that prevent overwatering-related issues like root rot and fungal infections.

1. Snake Plant

Snake plants are made for dry conditions and can survive in low light with minimal water. Their thick leaves store moisture, allowing them to go weeks without a drink. Going water-free until the soil completely dries out can do the trick. 

Noami Robinson, a gardening expert from the Houseplant Authority, writes in an article about Snake Plants, “Watering every two to six weeks works well, but it varies based on the climate and season. The best rule of thumb is that you should water snake plants when the top inch of soil is dry.” 

Snake plants need even less water in winter, which helps prevent moisture buildup. Terracotta pots can also help by absorbing excess water from the soil.

2. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is often misunderstood as needing frequent watering due to its juicy appearance. In reality, its succulent leaves are packed with stored moisture, making it highly drought-tolerant. Too much water can cause the base to soften and rot. 

According to Nell Foster from JoyUs Garden, “Water your Aloe vera when it’s about 3/4 of the way dry. That could be every 2 to 4 weeks in the summer, depending on the conditions it’s growing in, the size of the pot, and what the soil mixture is.

Just know that in the winter months, you’ll want to back off on the watering frequency because it’s the time for houseplants to rest.”

Pots with drainage holes and allowing airflow around the roots are effective ways to keep this medicinal plant healthy.

3. Peace Lily

Peace lilies enjoy consistent moisture but not excess water. Overwatering leads to yellowing leaves, root rot, and a noticeable drop in vigor. According to the University of Florida IFAS Extension, peace lilies should only be watered when the top layer of soil feels dry to the touch, typically once a week under average indoor conditions.

Choosing a breathable, well-draining soil mix and avoiding pots without drainage are simple but effective solutions. If peace lilies are subjected to waterlogged conditions, their root development is reduced, making them prone to catch vulnerable fungal infections.

4. Spider Plant

Spider plants are low-maintenance but easily stressed by soggy soil. Although they prefer a slightly moist environment, excess water causes root rot and browning leaf tips. Keep in mind that improper watering is one of the top reasons spider plants develop unhealthy foliage; they require the right balance.

Spider plants benefit from a drying period between waterings, just like in their natural tropical environment, where rain comes in bursts. Make sure the pot has good drainage and avoid letting water sit at the bottom. 

5. Jade Plant

Jade plants are known for their thick, glossy leaves and slow growth, but too much water can be their downfall. Overwatering leads to leaf drop and blackened stems, often mistaken for pest damage. Jade plants are highly sensitive to root rot and should only be watered every 2–3 weeks, depending on humidity and temperature.

Jade plants exhibit crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM), a process that allows them to minimize water loss and thrive on limited moisture. Choosing well-draining soil and a sunny windowsill can significantly reduce the risk of overwatering damage.

6. ZZ Plant

The ZZ plant is prized for its shiny, dark green leaves and near-indestructibility, but it requires little water. Its underground rhizomes store water efficiently. Expert home gardeners recommend watering ZZ plants only when the soil is completely dry, typically every 2–3 weeks.

ZZ plants maintained strong health and coloration in low-light, low-water environments, making them ideal for forgetful plant owners. Containers with drainage holes are essential to avoid standing water that could stress the roots.

7. Pothos

Pothos are popular for their hardiness and trailing vines, but they still need watering restraint. Overwatering can lead to limp leaves, mushy stems, and eventual root rot. Overwatering can kill them before you know what’s wrong. 

Pothos grows stronger roots and stays healthier in loose, well-draining soil. Bright, indirect light and letting the soil dry out between waterings help keep their leaves lush and free from fungus.

8. English Ivy

English ivy prefers slightly moist soil, but consistent overwatering can trigger root rot and leaf discoloration. Leaf yellowing or browning is a typical early sign of too much water. 

English Ivy can reduce growth and increase fungal colonization when grown in consistently waterlogged conditions. “On average, an English Ivy plant will require watering every 10-14 days and only when the top layers of the soil are dry. Watering the ivy without following a proper watering schedule and not checking the soil’s moisture level can lead to overwatering.” Says Richa, a gardening expert from Simplify Plants. 

Good drainage and spacing between waterings help prevent these issues, especially when grown indoors.

9. Cactus

While it might seem obvious, new plant owners still frequently overwater cacti. Cacti grow in desert ecosystems with extremely rare rainfall. Overwatering causes their spines to soften, stems to collapse, and root systems to rot. Cacti need watering only every 3–4 weeks during the growing season and even less during dormancy.

Adjust your watering routine based on the seasons, as cacti may require less water during their dormant period. Using pots with fast-draining mixes and placing them in full sun reduces the risk of overwatering damage.

10. Fiddle Leaf Fig

Fiddle leaf figs are known for their dramatic foliage, but they are quite sensitive to watering mistakes. Overwatering often results in brown spots on leaves, dropping foliage, and root rot. These plants prefer evenly moist but not wet soil and need excellent drainage to thrive.

Allowing the top inch or two of soil to dry before watering is key to preventing water-related stress in fiddle leaf figs. Fiddle Leaf Figs thrive on routine, so if necessary, set reminders to water your plant more or less at the same time every week.

11. Rubber Plant

Rubber plants enjoy moisture but despise soggy conditions. Overwatering leads to drooping leaves, yellowing edges, and root decay. Their thick, waxy leaves are designed for tropical forests where water drains quickly, so using loose potting mix and breathable pots indoors can prevent water buildup.

This plant is elastic in more than one sense! It is low-light tolerant and helps clean the indoor air from pollutants. It is recommended to check soil moisture deeply and water only when the top 2-3 inches of the soil is dry, usually once every 10–14 days indoors.

12. Lavender

Lavender thrives in full sun and dry soil and is one of the most drought-tolerant herbs you can grow. Overwatering leads to spongy stems, root rot, and fungal infections, especially in clay-heavy soil. Lavender prefers well-drained, slightly alkaline soil and should never sit in wet conditions.

Excessive watering reduces essential oil production in lavender and increases root decay in compacted soils. “To save the day, it’s important to make sure our lavender friends have well-draining soil and a proper water schedule. I’ve found that pots with drainage holes and soil mixed with sand can work wonders.” Writes Glen Chander, an expert gardener from the Ever Green Seeds. 

It’s best to water your lavender weekly in hot weather and once every two weeks in cold, wet weather. 

13. String of Pearls

String of pearls is a delicate trailing succulent that stores water in its tiny round leaves. These plants are highly susceptible to overwatering, which causes the pearls to shrivel and turn translucent. 

Overly moist conditions reduce oxygen availability to roots and promote fungal growth. Using a shallow pot and placing it in a bright location helps mimic its native dry climate.

14. Begonia

Begonias enjoy moderate watering, but too much can quickly lead to issues like root rot and powdery mildew. They are especially vulnerable in cool or low-light environments where moisture evaporates more slowly.

Ensuring drainage holes and using a peat-lite mix can help manage moisture levels and support lush, healthy blooms. Begonia roots are fine and easily overwhelmed by soggy soil. 

Back Away From the Watering Can

Some plants are more sensitive to too much water than others. Choosing the right soil, using pots with drainage, and letting the soil dry out between waterings can help prevent root rot and keep plants healthy. 

Every plant is different, so research the individual plant’s needs and watch for conditions like yellowing leaves or drooping plants to avoid over- or underwatering.