How I Water My Indoor Plants Without Making a Mess

Taking your plants outside to give them a good watering may not always be an option.

That being said, there are a few different ways you can water indoor plants without making a mess.

Ways to Water Indoor Plants without a Mess

If you want to convert your plants to semi-hydroponics (LECA), you’ll never have to worry about drainage or soil again. That’s because you will keep a small bit of water in the bottom of your pot without drainage.

Quick tip- if you’ve never used LECA before, I would start with one small, common plant first. Then, once you get used to using that medium, begin to transfer more over.

Another way to avoid making a mess when watering indoor plants would be to water them in the sink or shower. But, you’ll still have to clean out the bathtub or sink afterwards.

Since both of these options are a bit of work, I wanted to find a way to be water easily. quickly, and productively.

So, I created this step-by-step guide to show you how *I* water indoor plants without making a mess, using household items!

*Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I do receive a small commission if you purchase a product using my link, with no addition cost to you!*

How Can I (neatly) Water my Plants?

Spoiler alert- I use cooking trays to alleviate making a mess while watering my indoor plants!

I learned this method (which now is like duh!!!) when I was working in a plant shop.

I mean, they didn’t use typical cooking trays, but they did use lipped, metal sheets.

When we needed to check all the plants, we would place all the ones that needed water on these trays. That way, as we watered them, they would drain onto the sheet rather than the floor.

Once they were thoroughly watered, we could them put the back on the floor (storefront). But, then, all we had to do was wash off the tray. Which left very minimal mess.

Since it’s winter here, I wanted to find a way to repeat this method at home, being that I can’t water outside.

Therefore, I grabbed some cooking trays and went to it. It worked like a charm, so I want to share it with you.

6 Steps to Water Your Indoor Plants without Making a Mess

Materials needed:

Cooking trays like these

Mister like this

Towel

Moisture meter like this (optional)

Watering can like this (optional)

Cup (if you don’t have a watering can)

Step 1: Prepare your watering set up

The first thing you need to do is prepare your watering set up.

Since we’re going to be using cooking trays to catch the draining water, go ahead and lay those out.

I like to set mine in front of their cabinets for minimal movement.

Also, go ahead and get your water ready. (I use rainwater.) Meaning, if you are planning to add any nutrients or hormones, do that now.

Step 2: Check your plants and grab the ones that need to be watered.

Now, it’s time to gather up your plants that need to be watered.

You can use a moisture meter like this or just do the finger-method to see what your plant needs.

I use separate trays to group my plants into two different groups.

One group is full of my plants that like to get misted (mainly my calatheas and some philodendrons).

The second group is of all the ones that don’t want to get their leaves wet (begonia’s, some anthuriums, and some philodendrons).

Step 3: Water and mist as needed.

Now that all of your plants are on their trays, start watering.

You can use an actual watering can like this, but you could also just use any kitchen cup or vase you have.

I like to water each of my plants until the top layer of soil is fully wet.

Once they are all watered, I mist the leaves of the ‘mist group’.

Step 4: Let your plants chill!

Now, you’re plant babies need to drain.

Leave them alone for 15-45 minutes.

They’ll drain any unneeded water and begin to perk up during this time.

But, there won’t be any mess since the cooking trays will catch everything.

Step 5: Begin putting your plants back in their homes.

After your plants finish draining, it’s time to start placing them back where they belong.

To do this without making a mess, use your towel to wipe off the bottom of your pots. Make sure to do this over the trays so that nothing falls on the floor.

Then, I hold the towel underneath my plant and carry it back to it’s home.

Place it on it’s shelf, and wala- you’re done!

Step 6: Dump and wash your cooking tray.

All that’s left is some very minimal clean up.

I like to dump my cooking trays outside so that I don’t have to worry about soil getting stuck in my drain.

After I dump the excess water out, I give them a good wash. Let them dry, then put them up.

Easy peasy, lemon squeezey.

Watering Your Plants Doesn’t Have to Get Messy

Overall, you have a few different options, when trying to water your indoor plants without a mess.

But, clearly, my favorite way to do this is by using cooking trays to catch any drainage.

Once I am finished watering everything, all I have to do is clean up my trays and put them away.

I’m happy. My plants are happy. My husband is happy. Our cat is happy. This method is just an all-around win.

Frequently Asked Questions-

Q: Can I use ice cubes to water my plants?

Please don’t. The ice is way too cold for you plant and could shock it.

Q: Can I overwater my plants?

You absolutely can. If you notice yellow leaves, you may be overwatering your plants or have root rot. In order to fix this, you’ll have to completely pull out your plant and repot it.

To avoid overwatering, use a moisture meter like this.

Q: Can I underwater my plants?

Yes, but a general rule is that you would rather underwater than overwater. Therefore, if your plant is still damp, wait a day or so before watering. (Unless your plant likes to stay moist- like calatheas and begonias.)

Q: Is water the only thing my plant needs?

No! You need to give your plants the right amount of light and humidity as well. This could be different for each plant so make sure you know the care guidelines for yours.

Signing off,

xoxo.