How much water does a 7 gal pot require?

[Mass117]

Afternoon, hope all is well with everyone. Simple question but how much should I water my 7 gal smart pot at a time?

I’m watering every 2-3 days with about 800mL of water with nutrients and enhancers. I’m afraid to overwater again like the previous smaller pot but I’m not used to the large 7 gallon. My plant is doing much better after being let to dry out from over watering a Few days ago but I wonder if it needs more to keep it healthy and hydrated since it’s still slightly droopy. When I test with my finger, it’s still moist in some areas around the pot while other spots are dry. Thanks! Anything helps ✌️

 

[SirSmksAlot]

It will take a minute for the roots to fill that pot. But as long as your using inert soil I'd recommend watering until you see some run off. Do you have a fan blowing around your plant? Also try to get air flowing under you pot as well. She's looking better though.

 

[Mr.furley]

Soil or coco?

 

[Mass117]

Can a smart pot have runoff? Supposedly the pot absorbs all liquids to water the soil overtime without overwatering. I use 1-2 fans at a time. Are you saying I Should I be having a fan blowing at the bottom of the pot? Thanks

 

[Toker1]

There are too many variables to give a numerical benchmark like xxxx mL. Some strains drink more or less.
In the summer (dry and hot) I water twice as much volume than I do in the winter (cool and wet).
If the leaves are perky and pointing up (looking like they are almost praying), then you have good watering practices. If the leaves droop or claw downward, you are over watering. If the plants shrivel up and look like they might die...you are under watering.
Best of luck!

 

[Mass117]

It’s Soil

 

[Mass117]

Thanks Toker1 My newer young leaves at the top we’re “praying” very recently after I let it dry out while the older larger leaves were curling downward. Kinda hard to judge on how to find the balance. But, if my younger leaves aren’t praying like how they were, then maybe I am actually under watering at this point since I last overwatered it? Thanks for the info but I will keep an eye it 👍

 

[Rwise]

With 7 gallon (or smaller) pots I lift them, if they are heavy they are good, if they are light I water. A bit harder to lift 20 gallon pots.

 

[SirSmksAlot]

I put my smart pots on a steel rack that lifts the pot a half inch off the ground. That way you get good circulation

 

[Mass117]

Oh ok. That’s a cool idea! Thanks again

 

[PRIMO]

Hey Mass117 the smarty pots don't absorb, they allow the water to run through,so yes you can water to runoff. If you have another 7 gal fill it with dry and heft it. That'll give you an idea of it's empty weight. That's about what you're aiming for before you water again.

 

[Mass117]

I can’t tell the difference whether the lower leaves are clawing from overwatering, or curling/shriveling from lack of water? The newer leaves at the top and the mid level leaves are praying

 

[Toker1]

Yes exactly. If new growth is “praying” keep doing what you did. They like the wet/dry cycle. But not too wet and not too dry. Lol that’s the challenge.

 

[Toker1]

The clawing (where the leaf resembles a claw) is a sign of overwatering. The burnt tips of the leaves is typically a sign of too much salt in the soil (overfeeding). Hope that helps.

 

[Toker1]

Here is a pict of how you want the leaves to look. (Visual sometimes es helps)

 

[Mass117]

Thanks again Toker1! Maybe a plain water flush would be a good idea?

 

[Toker1]

You can. Just ph adjust the water to the soil manufacturers specification first.
Personally, I just would hold back on the feeding for a little bit. Or decrease the strength in the mixture.

 

[Mass117]

Awesome! Thanks for the pic.

 

[Mass117]

Sounds good. I’ve been pHing my water 5.9-6.1 within the recommended range of 5.5-6.5. I’ll flush it once with General Hydroponic Flora Kleen tomorrow. Leave it to dry for two maybe three days, then feed it till theres some drainage this time 👍 Thanks for your help