10 Ways to Get Rid of Gnats in Houseplants Fast

3. Embrace Bottom Watering: A Gnat-Discouraging Drink

Have you ever heard of bottom watering? If not, don’t worry, it’s not some super-secret advanced plant care technique! It’s actually a really simple and effective way to water your indoor plants, and it comes with a fantastic bonus: it makes the top layer of soil much less attractive to those pesky gnats looking for a place to lay their eggs. It’s all about keeping that surface soil on the drier side.

What in the World is Bottom Watering?

Okay, so what exactly is bottom watering? Instead of pouring water onto the top of the soil like we usually do, you’re essentially letting your plant soak up water from the bottom, directly through its drainage holes. Think of it like giving your plant a little spa day for its roots!

The big win here for gnat control is that the topsoil – that first inch or so – stays much drier compared to when you water from the top. Since fungus gnats absolutely love moist surface soil to lay their eggs, a drier top layer makes your plant a way less appealing nursery for them. The plant still gets all the moisture it needs, but it’s drawn up from the roots, leaving the surface less hospitable for gnat prevention.

My “Aha!” Moment with Bottom Watering (and a Formerly Sad Fern)

I have to admit, I was a little skeptical about bottom watering when I first heard about it. I think it was at a little garden talk in Washington, DC, years ago. It just sounded…fiddly. But I had this maidenhair fern, you know how delicate they can be? It was constantly either too dry or too wet when I top-watered, and the gnats were starting to notice the perpetually damp soil around its crown.

So, I gave bottom watering a shot. I placed its nursery pot in a shallow tray of water and just kinda…waited. It felt weird! But, oh my goodness, after a couple of weeks, that fern started looking so much happier, with fresh, vibrant fronds. And the best part? The cloud of gnats around it practically disappeared! The top layer of soil was noticeably drier, and it was a total “aha!” moment for me. This technique wasn’t just for fussy plants; it was a secret weapon for healthy roots and fewer pests!

How to Bottom Water Like a Boss (It’s Easier Than You Think!)

Ready to try it? It’s super easy, I promise. Here’s the lowdown:

1. Drainage is Key: First off, and this is super important, your plant MUST be in a pot that has drainage holes. No exceptions here, folks! If there’s no way for the water to get in from the bottom, well, this method won’t work.
2. Find a Vessel: Grab a tray, a deep saucer, a plastic container, or even just use your kitchen sink (make sure it’s clean!). Anything that can hold a few inches of water and fit your plant pot will do.
3. The Soak: Place your potted plant into your chosen vessel. Then, pour water into the vessel, not directly onto the plant’s soil from the top. You’ll want maybe an inch or two of water, depending on the size of the pot.
4. Patience, Young Grasshopper: Now, just let your plant sit and absorb the water from the bottom up. This can take anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour – it really depends on how dry the plant is and the type of soil. You’ll often see the topsoil slowly darken as the moisture wicks its way up, or the pot will start to feel noticeably heavier. Once the top inch of soil feels slightly moist to the touch (not soggy!), it’s done.
5. Drain Excess: Lift your plant out of the water and let any excess water drain away completely for a few minutes. You don’t want it sitting in a puddle, as that can lead to root rot.

And that’s it! You’ve successfully bottom-watered! This is a fantastic part of overall houseplant care.

Not Just for Gnats – Other Perks of the Upside-Down Drink!

While keeping that topsoil drier is a massive plus for gnat prevention, bottom watering has some other cool benefits too. It encourages the plant’s roots to grow downwards towards the water source, which can lead to a stronger, healthier root system.² Plus, for plants with fuzzy leaves like African violets or those prone to crown rot if water sits on their leaves, it’s an ideal way to hydrate them without wetting the foliage. It really is a win-win!

So, bottom watering is a super smart strategy to keep that topsoil less tempting for gnats and promote healthy roots. It’s a fantastic tool in our plant care kit! But what if you suspect those little larvae are already having a party in the soil despite your best efforts with watering techniques? There’s a common household item that, when used carefully, can give your soil a real cleanse from the inside out.

Intrigued about what this fizzy fix might be? Click that ‘Next’ button to find out how a little bit of hydrogen peroxide can be a surprising ally in your gnat battle!