You might look at “Self-Watering” and wonder: ‘Why do I need a tutorial? That sounds pretty easy!’ These pots are unusual to many of us and can seem like a daunting adjustment. Here at LoveMeMini, we adore them! They’re an easy solution to over and under watering issues.
What do you need to know about Self-Watering Pots in general? How do you use our pot? Keep reading for an easy “Self-Watering Pot How To!”
Get the 411 on How to Use Self-Watering Pots
What it doesn’t mean: Just because a pot is “Self-Watering” doesn’t mean it requires zero effort on your part. (We wish, right?) You must fill and clean these containers regularly to keep your plants healthy and happy.
So, what’s the point? Self-Watering Pots are a great option for frequent travelers or slightly-forgetful plant owners. Why? You don’t have to fill the reservoir as frequently as you need to water a plant in a traditional pot.
The Parts
Self-Watering Pots might seem intimidating because they have different parts. Familiarizing yourself with the basic anatomy of a Self-Watering Pot will help you learn how to use this new-to-you method!
Water Reservoir: This is the part of the pot that holds the water.
Planting Container: This is the inner pot where your plantie lives!
Wicking Mechanism: A part that reaches between the planting container and the water reservoir. In the next section, you’ll learn about the different types of ‘wicking’ (hint: it’s not always what you would think).
Overflow Hole or Spout: This feature allows some room for human error; if you overfill the water reservoir, the extra water will make a quick exit. This is also the only location to pour the water into the water reservoir on some Self-Watering Pots. Note: You won’t find these on all Self-Watering Pots, but they can come in handy!
The Types
There are a few different types of Self-Watering pots that are commonly sold for houseplants, and the kind you choose contributes greatly to how you use it. Here are a few of them:
A Foot System: Similar to “sticking your toe” into the pool. This type of pot allows a small soil area to “stick into” the water reservoir. What happens from there is similar to bottom watering: the roots and soil gradually move the moisture up, watering the entire plant.
A Wick System: If you imagine an upside-down candle, you won’t be too far off. With this system, the cloth-like wick bridges between the water and the planting container. The wick gradually soaks in the water, releasing it into the soil.
A Suspension System: This method is the least common of the three and relies solely on evaporation. The water in the reservoir evaporates, moisturizing the soil in the planting container that’s suspended above.
Are They Suitable for All Plants?
The short answer: No.
Self-Watering Pots keep the soil consistently and evenly moist at all times. This creates the perfect environment for some plants and ‘a death wish’ for others. Drought-loving succulents and other plants that come with instructions like, “Dry out between watering” won’t thrive in a Self-Watering Pot.
On the other hand, plants that like to stay “evenly moist” (such as the Crispy Wave) do well in a Self-Watering Pot.
How to save my drought-tolerant plant in a Self-Watering pot?
Don’t worry. You don’t have to use your Self-Watering Pot as your watering method. Most Self-Watering Pots come with drainage holes in the bottom of the ‘inner pot.’ So, if worse-comes-to-worse, you can overhead-water your plant and drain the reservoir.
About the LoveMeMini Self-Watering Pot
If you have one of our Mini Plants and Pots, you have a Foot-Watering Pot. How does ours work?
The Parts:
The Top Half: The planting container.
The Bottom Half: The water reservoir.
How it Works:
The soil in the planting container soaks up the moisture from the lower half of the pot.
Addressing Concerns About Foot-Watering
Our pots have the needed separation between the soil and water. Why is this essential?
There’s a fine line between foot-watering and bottom-watering. What’s the difference?
Foot-watering: This is a Self-Watering pot system in which a portion of soil is in contact with water, keeping the dirt evenly damp.
Bottom-watering: A full-on watering method used instead of overhead watering in a traditional pot. The soil is fully saturated and will need to dry out before rewatering.
Needless to say, the soil-to-water contact makes the difference between life and death for your plants.
How to Use our Self-Watering Pot:
Now that you know our Self-Watering Pot will keep your plants alive, the next question is how to use it. Here are four simple steps:
Twist the top and bottom sections apart.
Dump out any existing water.
Fill the bottom portion with 50ml/3 tablespoons/1.5 ounces of water.
Reattach the top and bottom.
Since there is no overflow hole or spout, you must measure the amount of water you put into the reservoir. Otherwise, you run the risk of overflowing your plant baby, resulting in overwatering and health issues.
What if I allowed my plant’s soil to dry out completely?
“Tisk, tisk!” But, your plant will likely forgive you. Before you reset your Self-Watering system, you will need to rehydrate your soil with a hefty overhead watering! Follow the steps below:
Twist the top and bottom sections apart.
Gently spray your plant with water for 3 minutes. (A quick stay in a lukewarm shower is always a good option!
Fill the bottom portion of the pot with 50ml/3 tablespoons/1.5 ounces of water.
Reattach the top and bottom.
Afterward, it’s business as usual (just try not to forget this time).
It’s clear to see: There’s so much to love about Self-Watering Pots and it’s not too hard to learn how to use them. Say goodbye to vacation-watering-plant-anxiety and ‘Hello’ to an easy, everyday fix!
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