From our root system's point of view, the soil is our entire world. We are fine, hair-like structures designed to absorb water and nutrients. When water is poured from above, it often floods our immediate environment, compacting the soil and suffocating us by driving out the precious air pockets we need. Worse, it can pool around our plant's central core, the crown. We roots dislike being constantly wet; we need a cycle of moisture and air. Bottom watering appeals to us because it allows us to drink at our own pace. The pot is placed in a saucer of water, and we, through capillary action, draw the moisture upward into the soil. This ensures the entire root ball becomes evenly moist without the top layer becoming a soggy, airless trap. We absorb exactly what we need, leaving the upper soil and the crown notably drier and safer.
We, the crown, are the heart of the plant, the central point from which all leaves emerge. We are incredibly susceptible to rot. Unlike the roots, we are not designed to be wet. When water sits on our surface or in the crevices between our leaf stems, it creates the perfect environment for fungal pathogens like *Pythium* and *Phytophthora* to attack. These organisms quickly cause our tissues to break down, turning us soft, brown, and mushy. This condition, crown rot, is often fatal. Bottom watering is the best defense for us. Since the water is drawn up from the bottom, the top of the soil and, most importantly, our location at the base of the plant, remain perfectly dry. This practice keeps us high and dry, literally, allowing us to remain healthy and firm so we can continue to direct the plant's growth.
We, the leaves, are velvety and covered in tiny hairs. While beautiful, this texture means we easily trap water droplets. If water is splashed on us from above, those droplets act like magnifying glasses under light, potentially scorching our sensitive surfaces and leaving unsightly white spots or rings. Furthermore, water sitting on our surface for prolonged periods can lead to leaf spot diseases. More critically for the crown, our dense growth creates a canopy. If the soil surface and crown are wet, our overlapping leaves trap that humidity, creating a stagnant, moist microclimate that accelerates rot. Bottom watering eliminates this risk entirely. Since no water is poured over us or the soil surface, we remain dry, pristine, and do not contribute to creating a hazardous environment for the crown beneath us.
As a complete organism, our goal is to thrive. Bottom watering supports our entire physiology by promoting a strong and deep root system. As the roots stretch downward toward the water source, they become more robust and efficient, which in turn supports healthier leaf production and more abundant flowering. This method also helps to flush out excess mineral salts that can accumulate from fertilization. These salts tend to rise to the soil surface with top watering, where they can burn our delicate feeder roots. With bottom watering, the upward movement of water leaves these harmful residues in the saucer to be discarded after watering, preventing toxic buildup. This holistic approach ensures we are hydrated from the bottom up, our crown is protected, our leaves are unblemished, and our roots are healthy and free from chemical burn.
