Switched from bottom-watering to top-watering my calatheas 3 months ago after losing 2 to root rot

I used to think bottom-watering was safer, but my calathea leaves kept curling and turning yellow, so I tried top-watering with a long-neck watering can and now the new growth is actually unfurling properly - has anyone else had better luck with one method over the other?

2 comments

2 Comments

wade76727d ago

Wait, you had root rot from bottom watering? That's actually wild to me because I always thought that was the bulletproof method. I lost two calatheas last year to that exact issue and switched to bottom watering as my saving grace. But hearing you say the leaves were curling and yellow, that makes me wonder if I just got lucky with my setup. I use a plastic tray and only let them sit for about 15 minutes max, never longer. Your experience is making me think maybe top watering has its own hidden benefits I never considered. I might have to try alternating for a month on my ornata to see what happens.

the_sage27d ago

YES! @wade767 nobody ever talks about how bottom watering can actually TRAP salts and minerals in the top layer of soil over time and that buildup is what rots the roots not the water itself. I think alternating methods is actually the smartest move because it flushes everything out.