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Contents
How often do you water self watering plants?
The number of times you’ll need to do so will depend on the type of plant, sunlight levels, and time of year, but it’ll usually be every three weeks or so. In between refills, Bullene says you can continue to water the top of your plants lightly every so often to raise humidity levels around their leaves.
Does self watering work for all plants?
Self-watering pots are not suitable for all plants: Self-watering pots are not suitable for succulents, orchids, and other plants that need to have their potting soil dry out between waterings. The constant moisture will cause root rot in these types of plants.
Do self watering pots prevent overwatering?
Without a free-flowing drainage hole or an overflow hole, these self-watering pots are prone to waterlogging and, thus, potential root rot. And so, by leaving these pots outdoors, it’s exposed to receiving excess water from the rain.
How long do self watering planters last?
You’ve excitedly bought one of the self-watering planters suggested above and started using it right away. The secondary pot is filled with water for now, but how long will it last you? You should easily get at least one or two weeks out of your self-watering planter before it needs a refill.
What plants grow well in self-watering pots?
- African Violets (Saintpaulia) …
- Peace Lilies (Spathiphyllum) …
- Pothos or Devil’s Ivy (Epipremnum Aureum) …
- Fiber Optic Plant (Isolepis Cernua) …
- Umbrella Palm (Cyperus Alternifolius) …
- Ferns (Polypodiopsida) …
- Selaginella. …
- Pitcher Plants (Sarracenia)
Do you put rocks in the bottom of a self-watering planter?
“Skip the gravel inside the bottom of individual or pot liners – It is a myth that a layer of gravel (inside the bottom of an individual pot) beneath the soil improves container drainage. Instead of extra water draining immediately into the gravel, the water “perches” or gathers in the soil just above the gravel.
Do self-watering globes cause root rot?
Since self-watering globes prevent overwatering, they do not cause root rot for most plants. However, plants that are light drinkers might not absorb the water released quickly enough. This causes the water to sit in the soil for too long and can provide an environment for bacterial or fungal infections.
Are self-watering planters better?
Using self-watering containers can be the best way to grow some plants, particularly vegetables. By providing a consistent level of moisture directly to the roots of plants, self-watering containers can increase plant health and yield.
Can you overwater with wicking?
New Wick & Grow™ technology means that you’ll never under water (or overwater) a houseplant again. Because this simple solution solves a complex problem: not only how to water a plant continuously, but how to water a plant in the exact amount it needs.
What are the negatives of using a self wicking watering system?
One of the cons of self-watering pots is that plants that need very moist soil may struggle with the bottom-up watering system. Self-watering pots will never properly soak a thirsty aquatic plant like umbrella palm or fiber-optic plant. Choosing the right type of plant to go into your self-watering pot is key.
Can you put fertilizer in self-watering pots?
You can fertilizer self-watering containers similar to a regular container by using a granular fertilizer or liquid fertilizer. But you do need to be aware that the fertilizer will deposit mineral salts in the potting soil over time. So you will need to flush these salts out every year.
How do you fill a self-watering planter?
A fill tube or opening of some kind is used to pour water directly into the reservoir. This can vary from a simple tube placed in the corner of the planter to a hole in the planter rim or an opening in the container wall that gives direct access to the reservoir.
Can you use a wine bottle to water plants?
The EXTRA easy way for outdoor planters and large potted indoor plants: It’s so easy. Just fill your bottle with water, skip the hole in the cork and stick it into your planter pot! You’ll want to push the bottle down in there at an angle until it won’t go down any further.
Can you overwater with wicking?
New Wick & Grow™ technology means that you’ll never under water (or overwater) a houseplant again. Because this simple solution solves a complex problem: not only how to water a plant continuously, but how to water a plant in the exact amount it needs.
Should you water plants everyday?
Plants don’t need daily watering. Instead, water deeply but less frequently. Deep waterings allow the water to seep beneath the roots, which encourages the roots to grow downward.
How do self watering plants work?
Self watering planters use sub-irrigation to deliver water directly to plant roots, without any guess work. The water reservoir at the bottom of the planter allows the plant to drink at its own pace and visually shows caregivers when it is time to water with an empty reservoir.
Self-Watering Planters & Pots: How They Work & How To Use Them | mindbodygreen
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How do self-watering planters work
What are the benefits of self-watering planters
How do you use them
Are there any plants that shouldn’t go in self-watering planters
Newbury Black Self-Watering Poly Planter
WONCAR Hanging Planters
Viva Self-Watering Rolling Planter Square
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How Do Self Watering Pots Work? – Smart Garden Guide
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- Table of Contents:
Capillary Action (Wicking) Explained
The Four Basic Elements Of A Self-Watering Pot
Self-Watering Pot Wicks
Wicking Pots
What Are The Advantages Of Self-Watering Pots
What Are The Disadvantages Of Self-Watering Pots
What Do I Need To Know About Maintaining A Self-Watering Pot
What Is The Best Self-Watering Potting Mix
What Plants Are Best For Self-Watering Pots
What Are Some Of The Commercial Self-Watering Pot Options That
Are Available
Problems with self-watering pots – Read before you buy! – Ask the plantician
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Breeding ground for mosquitoes
Not suitable for all plants
Algae and fungus gnats
Not for large plants
Not ideal for outdoors
More expensive than regular pots
Not a set and forget system
Conclusion
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Self-Watering Planters & Pots: How They Work & How To Use Them
How do self-watering planters work?
Most people water their plants from the top, even though plants actually absorb water from the bottom-up. Self-watering planters, on the other hand, usually have water reservoirs that sit at the bottom of a pot to be drawn from as needed through a process called capillary action. Essentially, a plant’s root system attracts water from the reservoir and transports it upward due to the water’s adhesion, cohesion, and surface tension (thank you, physics!). Once it has reached the plant’s leaves, the water can be used for photosynthesis and other essential plant processes. When a houseplant receives too much water, that water sits at the bottom of the pot, oversaturates the roots, and makes capillary action impossible, which is why overwatering is a leading cause of root rot and plant death. But since self-watering planters keep the water supply separate from your actual plant, they don’t drown roots. When a houseplant doesn’t get enough water, the water it does get tends to stay on top of the soil, drying out the roots below. As long as your self-watering planter is refilled with water periodically, you don’t have to worry about this either.
What are the benefits of self-watering planters?
1. They take the guesswork out of watering.
Since self-watering planters allow plants to sip water as needed, they don’t require as much from you as a plant parent. “The plant itself is doing that work of deciding how much water to draw out,” explains Rebecca Bullene, the founder of Brooklyn-based plant shop Greenery Unlimited. “You don’t actually have to worry about the increment.” For this reason, self-watering planters can be good for outdoor plants, too, since they ensure you won’t accidentally double-water a plant after a rainstorm.
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2. They protect against pests.
In addition to protecting the bottom of your plant from overwatering and root rot, self-watering planters also keep the top of your soil from getting too moist and attracting pests like fungus gnats.
3. They give your plant some much-needed consistency.
While an inconsistent watering schedule may seem like par for the course, it can actually stress a plant out: “Plants really crave consistency: They want to have consistent moisture levels. They want to have consistent light. They want to have consistency in temperature,” says Bullene. “And as humans, we’re a very inconsistent species.” With self-watering planters, you don’t have to worry about leaving your plant out to dry the next time you go on vacation or have a crazy week at work.
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4. They make plant maintenance easier.
Self-watering planters can be especially convenient for hanging plants or plants that live in hard-to-reach areas since they’ll cut down on the number of times you need to pull out the step stool or shimmy your way over to them.
How do you use them?
There are two main types of self-watering planters: One has a removable water saucer at the bottom of the pot, and the other has a tube that runs alongside of it. You can also find self-watering inserts that turn normal pots into a self-watering one. These all function in a similar way; the difference is largely aesthetic. All you need to do to keep them running smoothly is refill their water chamber when it runs low. The number of times you’ll need to do so will depend on the type of plant, sunlight levels, and time of year, but it’ll usually be every three weeks or so. In between refills, Bullene says you can continue to water the top of your plants lightly every so often to raise humidity levels around their leaves. Misting your plant’s leaves, then wiping them down with a microfiber towel periodically can also ensure that they don’t get clogged with dust, which can mess with their ability to photosynthesize. Other than that, your self-watering planter should handle everything else in the water department.
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Are there any plants that shouldn’t go in self-watering planters?
Certain plants with shallow roots (think succulents like snake plants and cactuses) will not benefit from being placed in a self-watering planter since their roots don’t extend far enough into soil to take advantage of capillary action. However, these plants also tend to be pretty forgiving and require less water anyway. Most other plants (Bullene estimates a good 89% of ’em) have deep enough roots to thrive in these containers.
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Self-watering containers tend to cost about the same as a standard planter, but if you’re looking to save money, you can DIY your own pretty easily. Simply fill a large bowl with water and pop the bowl on an elevated surface next to your plant. Then, place one end of a string in the water so it’s fully submerged (you might want to use a paper clip for this), and place the other end in your plant’s soil, about 1 to 2 inches down. Make sure that the string is on a downward slope so that water can travel from your bowl down to your plant whenever it gets thirsty.
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The bottom line.
Self-watering planters are a convenient option for plant parents who struggle to keep up a consistent watering schedule or travel often. They’re easy to use, take the guesswork out of watering, and are suitable for most plant species.
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How Do Self Watering Pots Work?
Self-watering pots offer convenience, water efficiency, and improved plant health. These pots and planters use wicking action to provide water from a built-in reservoir, allowing you to water your plants by simply topping up the reservoir rather than having to keep track of the moisture level of the soil and watering according to each plant’s particular needs.
How do self-watering pots work? Consisting of a growing bed, potting soil, water reservoir, and wicking system that puts the soil in contact with the water, self-watering pots work through capillary action, or wicking. As the plant roots absorb water, the soil wicks up more, maintaining a consistent level of moisture in the soil.
Sometimes referred to as “sub-irrigation containers,” these self-watering pots have become quite popular because they are very effective and easy to maintain. They’re simple to construct using inexpensive, commonly available materials, or there are many stylish commercial options to choose from.
Although the design possibilities for these self-watering pots are endless, the four basic elements mentioned above always come together to form an elegant solution to houseplant care that’s perfect for today’s busy lifestyles.
Once you understand how these planters work, you’ll see why the self-watering pot trend has exploded onto the scene in recent years. So read on for an in-depth look at how self-watering pots work. You’ll be inspired to give these innovative planters a try.
Capillary Action (Wicking) Explained
The mechanism behind how self-watering pots work is a phenomenon called “capillary action,” or “wicking.” This action is what allows a sponge to draw up liquid from a surface, the hairs of a paintbrush to draw up paint, and the wick of a candle to draw up wax. This is also how plants, including the tallest trees, are able to overcome gravity to draw water up from their roots to the very top of the plant.
Capillary action is caused by the intermolecular attraction in liquids, along with the attractive forces between a liquid and a solid material with narrow tubes or small spaces within it. The attractive force between like molecules that holds a raindrop together is called “cohesion,” while the attractive force between the unlike molecules of a liquid and a solid material is called “adhesion” (think of dewdrops clinging to a flower petal or a leaf).
If the adhesive force between the liquid and the solid is greater than the cohesive force within the liquid, which occurs when the space between the walls of the solid material is sufficiently small, the liquid will be propelled within these spaces.
With self-watering pots, you need to thoroughly water the potting soil from the top at planting. Then, as the plants release water from their leaves, more water is drawn up by capillary action from the plant roots to replace it.
The water that’s absorbed from the soil by the roots is likewise constantly replaced by capillary action within the soil, being fed from the reservoir by the capillary action of the wicking system at the bottom. With the proper potting mixture and wicking mechanism, the soil remains consistently moist but not overly wet.
The Four Basic Elements Of A Self-Watering Pot
Regardless of whether it’s a single-plant pot or a large container garden, there are always four basic elements to these self-watering pots:
Growing Bed
The growing bed is the upper part of the container that holds the potting soil and the plants.
Potting Soil
For a self-watering pot to function properly, it’s important that you use a potting soil that is lightweight and absorbent. It may consist of soil as well as non-soil growing media such as coco coir, perlite, or growstones .
The key is to use something that will continuously wick up water while also providing plenty of oxygen to the plant roots.
Water Reservoir
This essential element of a self-watering pot is located beneath the growing bed. Since you can’t see the reservoir, having a way to monitor the water level, such as a viewing window or a float, will eliminate the need for an overflow outlet for indoor planters.
And of course, there must be a way to refill the reservoir, which can be a vertical pipe for pouring in water from above or an opening at the side of the container.
The two separated areas for the growing bed and the water reservoir may be formed by placing a container at the bottom of the pot, by devising a barrier within the pot, or by having an inner pot for the grow bed and outer pot for the reservoir.
Wicking S ystem
The wicking system is what delivers water from the reservoir to the soil and on to the plant roots. To achieve this, you can either use wicks made of absorbent material such as pieces of rope or strips of cloth that are situated with one end in the water and the other in the soil, or you can devise a wicking pot that puts the potting mixture directly in contact with the water in the reservoir below.
In the next two sections, we will take a closer look at each of these wicking systems.
Self-Watering Pot Wicks
One simple way to bring the water from the reservoir to the potting soil is to use wicks. You can use any kind of absorbent material for the wicks, including cotton, wool, felt, nylon, polyurethane, and microfiber.
However, for long-term use, its best to use a material that is durable and rot resistant, such as the fiberglass wicking that’s made for oil lamps and candle making, which you can find sold in bulk at some gardening suppliers.
When setting up a self-watering pot, you need to make sure that the wicks reach to the bottom of the reservoir so they will always be in contact with the water, even when the water level is low.
At the top end, the wicks should extend into the potting soil rather than sitting on the bottom of the growing bed. To achieve this, simply hold the top ends up when you pour the soil into the container.
The number of wicks you need will depend on factors such as the size of the container, the type of potting mixture, the wicking material, and the number and type of plants.
The general rule is to assume you will need two wicks per plant. However, you should test your wicks out with your soil to find out how well the system functions and be ready to make adjustments if your plants are not having their watering needs.
Wicking Pots
The other wicking system commonly used in self-watering planters is called a “wicking pot.” This describes any self-watering pot design that places the potting soil in direct contact with the water in the reservoir, separated only by a permeable barrier.
Some self-watering pots are actually wicking pots in and of themselves. This is the case with conversion kits that allow you to turn a regular flowerpot into a self-watering wicking pot by inserting a container for water into the bottom of the pot that has a perforated top, which serves as the base of the growing bed.
A wicking pot can also be created by placing a basket filled with potting soil so it extends down from the growing bed into the reservoir. The container needs to allow contact between the soil and the water, so use a basket or some other container with open sections in it. A lining of netting, window screening, or another thin, permeable fabric will hold the soil in.
Another way to create a self-watering wicking pot is to place a layer of gravel or sand in the bottom third of a container that doesn’t have drainage holes, cover it with permeable cloth, and then fill the rest of the container with potting soil.
You can use anything from an old sheet or T-shirt to shade cloth to reusable shopping bags for the cloth barrier. Be sure to insert a section of PVC pipe that will serve as your watering shaft before filling in the soil. You will need to cut a hole in the fabric for this.
What Are The Advantages Of Self-Watering Pots?
There are three major advantages to using these self-watering pots:
Convenience
Resource efficiency
Improved plant health
Now, let’s take a look at each of these advantages.
Convenience
Perhaps the biggest selling point for self-watering pots is that they provide the convenience of simply making sure there is water in the reservoir rather than having to monitor the soil of each potted plant you have in order to supply water when your plants need it.
The task of keeping an eye on each individual planter can be time-consuming, particularly if you have a lot of plants. The watering needs of plants vary according to such factors as the time of year, the weather, the state of the potting soil, the size of the pot, the size of the plant, and the plant’s stage of growth. So when you water according to a weekly schedule instead of according to when the plants actually need it, you run the risk of harming your plants by over- or under-watering.
With self-watering pots, the soil is kept consistently moist, as the water is delivered from the reservoir at the same rate that the plants are using it.
Self-watering pots also offer the convenience of being able to water your plants while you are away from home or are so busy that you don’t have time to attend to your plants properly.
They thus allow people who travel a lot or have very busy lives to enjoy having houseplants without worrying about neglecting them.
Water Efficiency
Another major advantage of using self-watering pots is their water efficiency. These containers systems are self-regulating, delivering water as it is used by the plants. There is a small amount of water loss due to evaporation, but it’s much less than the amount of loss that occurs when you pour water into the potting soil from above – especially if you cover your self-watering potting soil with a layer of mulch .
When you pour water into the top of the potting soil, some of it will evaporate from the surface. In contrast, because self-watering pots draw water from below, there’s less moisture at the surface of the soil and nearly all of the water is used by the plants.
Plant Health
The most common plant care mistake is over-watering, whichcan starve the plant of oxygen and lead to problems caused by fungus and disease, while under-watering deprives plants of the water they need to maintain their cellular structure, transport nutrients, and carry out photosynthesis. Self-watering pots can enhance the health of plants by providing exactly the amount of water they need as they need it.
Self-watering pots also encourage deep, healthy root growth, as the plant roots reach downward for water rather than growing laterally to gather water from near the surface, where the moisture level is highest.
What Are The Disadvantages Of Self-Watering Pots?
Self-watering pots are great for busy people, they’re environment-friendly, and they can enhance plant health – but there are a few disadvantages to these container systems:
Self-watering pots are not suitable for all plants: Self-watering pots are not suitable for succulents, orchids, and other plants that need to have their potting soil dry out between waterings. The constant moisture will cause root rot in these types of plants.
Self-watering pots are not suitable for succulents, orchids, and other plants that need to have their potting soil dry out between waterings. The constant moisture will cause root rot in these types of plants. Self-watering pots don’t function well outdoors in moist or rainy climates: Outdoor self-watering containers will become waterlogged by high humidity and rain. An overflow outlet helps, but it doesn’t prevent the excess water from entering the soil in the first place and causing it to become wet rather than remaining evenly moist.
What Do I Need To Know About Maintaining A Self-Watering Pot?
While self-watering pots are very easy to maintain, there are a few things you need to do to help ensure that your plants are getting the water and nutrients they need.
Fertilizer And Self-Watering Pots
If you are using a hydroponic soilless medium in your self-watering pot, then you will usually need to add nutrients to the water reservoir, regularly maintain this nutrient solution at the proper levels, and flush the growing medium out with fresh water every couple of weeks to avoid the toxic buildup of fertilizer salts.
However, many gardeners prefer to avoid using liquid fertilizers and time-release fertilizers with self-watering pots to prevent salt buildup and instead feed their plants with compost. Flushing out self-watering pots can be tricky with indoor pots that have no overflow outlet.
Be sure include some well-aged sterile compost in your potting soil, and repot with a fresh batch of potting mix each planting season.
If you are using commercial self-watering potting mixture rather than creating your own, the best way to fertilize is to sprinkle a little slow-release fertilizer over the top of the soil before putting your plants in. This allows the fertilizer to slowly make its way down through the growing bed as the plants grow.
Do Not Allow The Reservoir To Dry Out
Self-watering pots are great for people who are always forgetting to water their plants, but you can’t forget to keep the reservoir from emptying because it will cause the wicking system to dry out and it won’t function when you refill the reservoir.
If you do happen to allow the reservoir to dry out, you will need to water from the top, soaking the soil well to ensure that it, along with the wicking system at the bottom of the pot, gets the moisture needed to start carrying out capillary action once again.
What Is The Best Self-Watering Potting Mix?
For a self-watering pot to function properly, it’s essential that you use the right potting soil. You can purchase commercial potting soils that are formulated specifically for self-watering planters. Or, make your own potting mixture with equal parts peat moss, coconut coir, perlite, and good-quality compost.
What Plants Are Best For Self-Watering Pots?
Houseplants that prefer evenly moist soil include smaller, leafy plants such as baby’s tears, spike mosses, and coleus, as well as larger thin-leaved plants such as b oston ferns, peace lilies, and umbrella palms. Lettuces, spinach, and herbs also do well in self-watering pots.
What Are Some Of The Commercial Self-Watering Pot Options That Are Available?
There are many commercial offerings available on the market today that provide the convenience of pre-fabricated self-watering pots for your indoor houseplants. They may be stylish self-watering systems such as these:
Or, they may actually be hydroponic growing systems, like the following:
And finally, another great option is to purchase a conversion kit that will turn a regular planter into a self-watering system. Here are a few to choose from:
Problems with self-watering pots – Read before you buy! |
As the name suggests, self-watering pots are self-irrigation containers that provide continuous water streams into the soil. The pot consists of four essential elements: a growing bed, potting soil, water reservoir, and a wicking system. The pot uses a ‘capillary action’ system where water is drawn from the reservoir to the soil via a wick.
These pots have gained popularity in recent times due to the busy lifestyle of modern life. Simply fill the reservoir with water and the self-watering system keeps the soil moist for days. However, before you invest in a self-watering pot, you need to consider a few issues before deciding that it’s the right pot for your needs.
The most common problems associated with self-watering pots are:
Breeding grounds for mosquitoes
Not suitable for all plants
Algae and fungus gnats
Not ideal for large plants
Not ideal for outdoors
More expensive than regular pots
Not a set and forget system
Breeding ground for mosquitoes
The most common problem with self-watering pots is the water held by the reservoir. It’s the perfect hotbed for mosquitoes to lay their eggs because it’s still water. Most eggs hatch within 28 hours, and mosquitoes will multiply because of soggy conditions. This problem is more severe if you live in a country that is humid and warm.
To prevent the self-watering pot from being a mozzie breeding nest, you’d need to flush the water out every few days. Once you fill the reservoir with water, you can cover any access holes with a small square of fly screen mesh.
Alternatively, you could find a pot design where the water access is sealed off, such as this one I found on miei.com.au:
Not suitable for all plants
Self-watering pots are unsuitable for plants that prefer dry or well-drained soil, such as cacti and succulents. The continuous moisture that is being fed into the soil puts succulents at risk of dying from over-watering. Succulents are accustomed to the desert environment and so need to dry out between watering sessions. Self-watering pots do the complete opposite.
Algae and fungus gnats
The continuous soil moisture that self-watering pots provide means that the soil is prone to algae and fungus gnats.
The growth of algae is caused by excess moisture in the soil. Algae is a problem because it significantly harms the growth of plants by competing for nutrients and water. Algae also release spores that are harmful to infants, so if you have an infant, you’ll need to carefully monitor the pot – which is ironic to have a self-watering pot in the first place.
Fungus gnats are fruit fly-sized insects that look like mosquitoes that affect mostly indoor houseplants. These pests are attracted to soil moisture as they lay eggs on organic matter on the soil’s surface. In less than a week, the eggs hatch into larvae, which burrow into the soil to feed on fungi and decaying plant material.
Not for large plants
Self-watering pots are not suitable for large plants that have long and sophisticated root systems. The same goes for standard pots, but the problem is more severe in self-watering pots because the roots reach the pure water of the reservoir.
Take, for example, this pot on Amazon:
With roots sitting in water, the plant may die from over-watering.
Not ideal for outdoors
Some self-watering pots don’t have an overflow opening, such as this one:
Without a free-flowing drainage hole or an overflow hole, these self-watering pots are prone to waterlogging and, thus, potential root rot. And so, by leaving these pots outdoors, it’s exposed to receiving excess water from the rain.
Horticulturalist Kim Carlisle, shared on Quora.com about her experience working at a garden center with self-watering planters. She placed a few large self-watering pots for display, and during long periods of rainy weather, the young plants would have rotted if she didn’t tilt the pots to drain the reservoirs. Root rotting was less of a problem with mature plants with a branchier root system because water is used faster.
To counter this problem, she drilled holes about an inch from the bottom of the pot so that only half of the reservoir can be filled. However, this allowed mosquitoes to enter the reservoir to start their breeding cycle.
More expensive than regular pots
Self-watering pots are typically more expensive than the standard pots due to their construction and the extra parts. Prices will depend on the size and style you choose. Buying self-watering pots can impact your budget, especially if you’re planning to change all your current pots to self-watering ones. If your plants tend to die from underwatering, perhaps self-watering pots are a worthwhile investment.
Not a set and forget system
A common misconception among new plant parents is that you can fill the reservoir with water and leave it. This is not true. You still need to understand the plant’s needs and monitor, assess and provide appropriate soil. Self-waterers don’t mean you fill the reservoir and then walk away.
Conclusion
Self-watering pots offer excellent benefits and convenience for busy individuals. However, before heading to the nursery, you need to research the plant that the pot is for. If the plant doesn’t mind the constant damp soil and does not grow extensive roots, then you’re good to go. Also, look around for a pot that preferably has the water access sealed to prevent mosquitoes from breeding inside. Good luck!
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