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Should we water Tulsi daily?

Tulsi, also known as holy basil, is an aromatic plant that is commonly grown for religious and medicinal purposes in India. Many people wonder if Tulsi needs to be watered every day to thrive. In this article, we will explore whether daily watering is necessary for Tulsi plants.

How often does Tulsi need water?

Tulsi plants should be watered whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. The frequency depends on factors like temperature, light levels, humidity, soil type, and container size. In general:

  • Tulsi needs more frequent watering in hot, dry, or windy conditions that dry out the soil faster.
  • It needs less frequent watering in cool, humid, or overcast conditions where soil retains moisture longer.
  • Larger pots or in-ground plants need watering less often than smaller containers.
  • Sandy or rocky soil dries out more quickly than rich, organic soil that retains more moisture.

With the right conditions, established Tulsi plants may only need watering once or twice a week. But young, small, or potted plants often need water every 1-3 days in summer and every 4-7 days in winter when growth is slower.

Signs your Tulsi needs water

The easiest way to know when to water Tulsi is by checking the soil moisture. But other signs that your Tulsi is thirsty include:

  • Soil is dry an inch below the surface
  • Leaves are drooping or curling
  • Leaf tips are browning
  • Growth is stunted
  • Stems are limp rather than upright
  • Container feels light when lifted

Pay attention to these visual cues to prevent underwatering. Tulsi needs adequate moisture to look and grow its best.

Dangers of overwatering

While routine watering is important, you can also harm Tulsi by overwatering. Signs of overwatering include:

  • Wet or soggy soil that takes a long time to dry out
  • Mushy, black, rotten roots
  • Yellow, drooping leaves
  • Leaf spots or browning leaf tips
  • White fungal growth on the soil surface or lower leaves
  • Slow growth

Too much moisture prevents roots from getting air. It also facilitates fungal and bacterial diseases. Ensure the pot has drainage holes and only water when the top inch is dry.

Best practices for watering Tulsi

Here are some tips for watering Tulsi properly:

  • Water early in the day so leaves dry out before nighttime.
  • Water the soil, not the leaves, to reduce disease risk.
  • Add water until it drains from the bottom of the pot.
  • Use rainwater or water that has sat out overnight to reduce chlorine.
  • Water less in winter when growth slows.
  • Check soil moisture before watering instead of on a fixed schedule.
  • Add pebbles below pots to improve drainage.

Should you water Tulsi daily?

Most Tulsi plants do not need to be watered every day. Watering daily often leads to overwatering, which causes more problems than underwatering. Here are some general guidelines:

Plant Size Growing Conditions Recommended Watering Frequency
Small potted plants Outdoors in summer heat Every 1-3 days
4-6 inch potted plants Indoors year-round Every 4-7 days
Large containers Part shade outdoors 1-2 times per week
In-ground plants Humid environment 1 time per week

Daily watering may be needed for:

  • New transplants or seedlings
  • Small pots in full sun and windy conditions
  • Plants showing signs of underwatering like wilting

But established, in-ground plants are better off with occasional deep watering to encourage deeper roots. Allow the soil to partially dry out between waterings.

Conclusion

Tulsi should not be watered on an fixed daily schedule. Instead, check the soil moisture and look for visual cues like drooping leaves. Water whenever the top inch of soil is dry to provide moisture without saturating the soil. Proper watering allows Tulsi to thrive while preventing common issues like root rot, mold, and leaf spot diseases. With the right soil, containers, and environmental conditions, Tulsi may only need occasional watering, even as little as once per week.