Hydrophobic Soil: How to Spot and Fix
Hydrophobic soil is soil that repels water instead of absorbing it. It usually happens when the soil has dried out too much – common during winter when plants are watered less frequently and indoor air is drier.
Instead of absorbing into the soil, your water will pool on the surface or run down the sides of the pot, leaving the root zone completely dry. This can confuse plant owners, because it looks like you’ve watered your plant, but the roots haven’t actually received any moisture.
How To Spot Hydrophobic Soil
You might notice:
- Water running straight through the pot and out the bottom
- Dry soil even after watering
- Your Willow Sensor still showing "dry" despite a recent water
Easy Tips To Fix Hydrophobic Soil
Bottom water: Place the pot in a shallow bowl of water and let it soak for 15–30 minutes. This helps rehydrate the soil slowly from the bottom up.
Break the surface tension: Water slowly and in small amounts to allow the soil time to absorb it. You can also gently stir the top layer of soil.
Use a soil wetting agent: These are additives (sometimes called surfactants) that help water soak in more effectively.
Check your mix: If hydrophobic soil is a recurring issue, you might need to amend your potting mix with ingredients that retain moisture better—like peat moss, coco coir or vermiculite.
Not sure if your soil’s gone hydrophobic?
If your plant still seems thirsty after watering, it might be time for a closer look. Head to Plant Doctor in the app and chat to our horticulturists directly. They’ll help you figure out what’s going on and how to get your plant back on track.