You wake up early, grab your watering can, and lovingly hydrate your garden like a helicopter parent with a hose. But what if your leafy babies aren’t thirsty… and you’re killing them with kindness?
Overwatering is the #1 silent killer of houseplants and balcony gardens in Malaysia. With our hot, humid weather, it’s tempting to water more—but sometimes less is more.
Let’s break down the 7 biggest signs your plants are drowning in love (and how to rescue them before it’s too late).
🌱 1. Yellow Leaves with a Soft Texture
One of the most common signs of overwatering. The leaves turn yellow, feel mushy, and fall off easily. Don’t confuse this with under-watering, which causes crispy, dry leaves instead.
Fix: Stop watering for a few days. Feel the soil 1–2 inches deep—if it’s still moist, wait. Only water when the soil feels dry at the finger test level.
🪴 2. Mould or Fungus Growing on Soil
If your soil looks like it’s wearing a fuzzy green hat, that’s a clear sign you’re watering too frequently. Mould, moss, and mushrooms thrive in damp, stale conditions.
Fix: Improve airflow, scrape off the topsoil, and reduce watering. Add a thin layer of dried coconut husk or sand to improve drainage.
🧅 3. Roots Are Brown, Mushy or Smelly (Root Rot!)
Healthy roots should be white and firm. If your pot smells like a swamp and the roots feel mushy, you’ve got root rot—a fungal infection caused by standing water.
Fix: Repot the plant in fresh, well-draining soil. Trim off rotted roots. Consider using pots with drainage holes only.
🫠 4. Wilting Despite Wet Soil
It feels wrong, but yes—a plant can wilt even when overwatered. That’s because excess water suffocates the roots and prevents nutrient absorption.
Fix: Check for drainage issues. Make sure water doesn’t sit at the bottom of the pot. Elevate the base with rocks if needed.
🌬️ 5. Leaf Blisters, Cracks or Splits
Blisters or watery bumps on leaves (called oedema) mean your plant absorbed too much water too quickly. This causes cells to burst under pressure.
Fix: Water more slowly, in smaller amounts. Let soil absorb gradually. If indoors, reduce humidity or move plant to better airflow.
🪵 6. Soil That’s Constantly Wet or Smells Musty
If your soil is never dry to the touch—even after a few days—there’s a problem. Constant dampness suffocates roots and encourages disease.
Fix: Improve drainage by mixing in perlite, sand, or crushed coconut husk. Use breathable clay pots instead of plastic.
📉 7. Stunted Growth & Leaf Drop
Your plant looks like it’s stuck in time. No new growth, no flowers, maybe even leaf drop. Overwatering can slow or completely halt photosynthesis.
Fix: Back off the watering. Try a mild seaweed or compost tea boost once the plant stabilizes to stimulate new growth.
🧪 Bonus Tip: Use the Finger Test
Stick your finger 2 inches into the soil:
- If dry = water
- If damp = wait
- If soggy = panic 🫠
Also try using a moisture meter (affordable on Shopee or TikTok Shop!) for precision if you’re unsure.
💡 Smart Solution:
If you tend to forget when you last watered (or have plant trust issues), try using a smart moisture sensor or self-watering pot system. Especially useful for balcony plants, herbs, or forgetful gardeners.
🛒 Recommended Tool: Gloves for Root Rescue
When repotting or checking roots, gloves help prevent fungal spread or skin irritation. I personally recommend these:
🖤 Black Gardening Gloves – Simple & Sleek
💚 Green Gloves – My Favourite!
They’re durable, comfy, and stylish enough to make your lime tree jealous.
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. That means I may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase—at no extra cost to you. It helps support Project HARVEST so I can keep giving you great gardening tips!
🌿 Final Thought
Love your plants—but don’t smother them. In Malaysia’s weather, more plants die from over-caring than neglect. So water wisely, poke the soil, and trust your pokok instincts.
Got questions or suspect you’ve been an overwatering offender? DM me on Instagram @projectharvest.my 🌱