10 Plants That Can Handle Overwatering

Sometimes it is possible to have too much of a good thing, especially when it comes to plants and water. While you might think adding a little extra water or watering more frequently helps keep your plants alive (despite your best intentions), you might end up killing them.

However, just because you have a tendency to overwater doesn’t mean you can’t become a great plant parent. You just need to choose the right plants. Here are 10 plants that can handle overwatering, along with some helpful tips for keeping an overwatered plant alive.

Plants That Can Handle Overwatering

According to April May, a seller on Palm Street, an online plant marketplace and app, while most plants prefer well-drained soil, some species can tolerate occasional overwatering better than others. These include certain Hoya plants such as:

• Hoya latifolia
• Hoya carnosa cultivars
• Hoya wayetii

May says, “These plants typically have adaptations that allow them to survive in less than ideal conditions, such as waterlogged soils.”

Some more plants that can handle overwatering include:

• Citrus trees
• Bonsai plants
• Venus flytraps
• Elephant ear
• Rubber plants
• Zebra plants
• Ferns

What Happens When Plants Are Overwatered?

According to May, overwatering can lead to root rot, a condition where the plant’s roots are suffocated and unable to absorb necessary nutrients and water. “Symptoms of overwatering include yellowing leaves, mushy stems, and a foul smell from the soil. Root rot is often caused by fungal infections that thrive in overly wet conditions.”

What Are Some Signs of Overwatering?

Not sure if you’ve been overwatering your plant but have a hunch you might have made a mistake? There are a few ways to identify this issue. The Sill’s plant expert, Paris Lalicata, explains, “The most common symptoms of overwatering include yellowing at the older leaves, mushiness or rot accompanied by really wet, muddy soil.”

What To Do If You Realize You’ve Been Overwatering Your Plant

Just because you’ve overwatered doesn’t mean your plant is doomed. “While any plant parts that have decayed due to overwatering will not recover, as long as healthy growth remains on your plant, it can still make a recovery. If you suspect your plant’s fallen victim to too much water, you can trim off any dead or mushy pieces. It’s also worth digging up the plant and removing any dead or mushy roots,” says Lalicata.

After that, she suggests reassessing your plants’ general watering and light requirements to make sure they’re getting what they need. “If the overwatering is due to poor drainage in the soil rather than your watering frequency, you may want to consider amending your soil to improve drainage.”

What To Do If You Recently Overwatered Your Plant

Did you just spill your entire watering can into one plant? Accidents happen, but there are ways to remedy this situation. May advises allowing the soil to dry out completely. “If the plant shows signs of root rot, it may need to be repotted. Remove the plant from its pot, prune away any rotten roots, and repot it in fresh, well-draining soil. Ensuring good air circulation and proper drainage in the future can help prevent recurrence.”