What Are Self-Watering Pots?
Self-watering pots are also called ‘sub-irrigation containers.’ It is a system that contains a reservoir that holds water with an inlet and outflow. It works through capillary action or wicking which is a process of a liquid flowing in narrow spaces without any assistance to supply water to your plant roots. There are pros and cons to using this method. So let’s go and find out.
Self-watering pots, pros: helps retain nutrients in the soil, promotes healthy root growth, prevents plant diseases, is self-sustainable, and saves time. Cons: not for thirsty plants, doesn’t do well in humid environments, attracts mosquitoes, not good for all plants -like cacti and succulents.
The ‘Pros’ Of Self-Watering Pots Or Containers.
Self-watering pots are best-selling and popular for plant lovers because they are very effective, easy to maintain, and simple to construct. You can make it on your own (DIY) or there are many stylish commercial options to choose from.
Self-watering pots could be the best way to grow your plants. This supplies a consistent level of moisture directly to the roots of plants. Thus, it increases plant health. Here are the ‘pros’:
1. Self-watering pots or modern planters help retain nutrients that come with this closed method and allow the nutrients to stay inside the soil. As a result of this system, the plants will thrive because of the healthy nutrients.
This could be in comparison to the traditional way of taking care of your plants in a container that you will need to add organic matter from time to time to make your plants healthy and beautiful.
2. Self-watering pots are extremely convenient. They provide water to the plants from the roots up rather than from the top.
Promotes healthy root growth. This system produces healthier plants that have lesser exposure to fungus and disease. This system distributes the perfect amount of water keeping plants moist.
3. Self-watering pots are sustainable. This device is being built to conserve water
and distribute it in the right amount and at the right time. It lessens the ability to water your plants as often.
4. They provide consistent moisture to your plants that keep the plants from drying out. The consistency is very helpful for plants.
5. Promotes healthy root growth. This system could water the plants in depth without worrying about root rot.
6. Self-watering pots or containers have varieties of styles and designs. You can choose different designs and styles that match your taste and are perfect for you.
Try to consider the trending styles where you like to keep them such as the simple pots, larger planter style, wall containers, and window boxes.
7. It prevents plant diseases. Some plants like tomatoes are prone to fungal diseases. A self-watering container could be of great help for this issue.
8. Saves time. Some plants need water every few days while others can go for a week. Indeed, you can save a little bit of your time tending all of your plants throughout the day.
Wouldn’t it be better if a self-watering pot could water your plants for you?
This sounds good if you are away from home. Many plant lovers are happy to say they leave their plants unattended for a few weeks.
The self-watering pot works and does wonders for their plants. It kept their plants well-watered and thriving as well.
9. This watering system is good for busy plant lovers or gardeners. This device is very helpful for them.
However, it requires the reservoir to be filled with water throughout the growing season. You must check the water levels and refill as needed.
The ‘Cons’ of Self-Watering Pots or Containers.
Many plants do well in self-watering pots. However, there are plants where self-watering pots or containers are not suitable in any way. Let’s learn and find out.
1. Self-watering pots to any extent are not good for thirsty plants. Those plants that need moist soil will struggle with the bottom-up water system.
Self-watering pots will never soak a thirsty aquatic plant like for example an umbrella palm.
2. Self-watering pots don’t do well in wet or humid environments. This is because it releases water to the plants in either the humid or rainy season.
Thus, in hotter climates, you will refill more often since the water evaporates faster.
You must check your plants and the self-watering pots to ensure the plants don’t have waterlogged and become rotten.
3. Become a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Not all self-watering pots are the same. Some have poor drainage systems and open reservoirs which will be the
breeding place of mosquitoes.
4. Self-watering plants are not suitable for all plants. They are considered a good choice for most plants like vegetables, indoor plants, and tropical plants.
Some plants like the cactI are not suitable for them. They need dry soil and cannot tolerate excess water.
Take Your Pick of the Best Self-Watering Pots
If you find yourself much interested in self-watering pots, here are some of which you should choose.
• Lechuza Self-Watering Pot Or Container.
It’s easy to read the level indicator on this design, especially during refilling time.
It has few colors to choose from like nutmeg, matte, purple garnet matte, slate matte, and white matte.
• Santino Self-Watering Pot Or Container.
One of the best recommended self-watering planters or pots. This is made of hard plastic with manufacturer promises not to leak. The air circulation on this design encourages plant growth.
As mentioned by Santino, when you fill this watering planter or pot once, this will water the plant reliably for the next 4 weeks.
A small window at the front of the pot allows you to track water levels easier and conveniently.
It comes in colors like white, black, jade, and cream. They have four options for the sizes: 5.5 inches, 6.7 inches, 7.5 inches, 7.9 inches, and 8.8 inches.
• Aquaphobic Self-Watering Pot Or Container.
This design has a water indicator that shows how much water is left for you to know when to refill. The fun colors of the aquaphobic self-watering pot will add beauty to your garden.
These colors are wine red, slate blue, purple, neon pink, neon green, charcoal, dark gray, blue, and black. The size is 7 inches.
• Bloem Ariana self-watering pot
This is made of polypropylene plastic with stabilized UV. It can stand long hours under the sun and easily adapt to temperatures without damaging the pot.
Further, your plants could get water from the self-watering pots for at least one or two weeks before it needs to be refilled and eventually depends on the plants you are growing.
Final Thoughts
Gardening is a hobby that produces good health benefits, in a relaxing and stress-free way. People of all ages enjoy getting back in touch with nature. These self-watering pots are created to help you enjoy your hobby and are beneficial to you and your plants.
• Great Benefits
You already understand the benefits brought by these products on how you can save water, and still keep your plants moist and healthy. It helps you achieve a healthy verdant and beautiful garden all year round.
So as the plant roots absorb water, the self-watering pots release a consistent level of moisture into the soil. This method offers convenience, improves plant health, and supplies a consistent and measured source of moisture to the plants.
Many plant enthusiasts are eager to keep their plants in good condition so the plant industry responded with new inventions to keep plants growing healthy. The self-watering pots act as reservoirs that provide water for several days to the plants.
• Use them Right
Remember they are what they are – self-watering pots for only certain plants for those people who have to be absent from home for several days at a time.
If you use them for the purpose for which they were created, you will not be disappointed and will benefit from the stress-free advantages.
They do have selective functionality and as long as you remember that, you can’t go wrong and should reap the benefits of these self-watering pots!
Jenny Marie
Tribal Writer
Edited By
Patricia Godwin
