Are Self Watering Pots Good For Succulents
IN THIS ARTICLE:
Are self watering pots good for succulents?
Self-watering pots are a very useful convention for every gardener out there. It could help you save a lot of your time and also keep your succulents fully nourished.
But before we dig deeper…
This is what Antoinette had to say about it.
I started to work three jobs to support my family last year.
Therefore, I started to look into all of these smart gadgets that can help me with my jobs at home.
I’ve bought an automatic lawn-mower, robot vacuum cleaner, and self-watering pots.
But I was a little concerned about what these self-watering pots do to my succulents.
I don’t want them to over-water my succulents.
That’s the only thing stopping me to equip all of my succulents with self-watering pots.
Imagine how much it could help you?
So, let us answer the big question here: are self watering pots good for succulents?
It certainly is!
Self-watering pots are containers with an outer pot or bottom reservoir that stores additional water.
As required, water is drawn from the reservoir and pumped into the root ball of the plants.
These containers are often constructed of plastic.
The majority of self-watering containers can keep water for many days or longer.
These pots are perfect for plants that need to keep wet and are good for plants that need to be watered often.
They are also useful for folks who often forget to water their plants.
They are usually not suitable for cacti and succulents, as well as other plants that demand a dry medium.
Succulents and cacti may become prone to root rot if the soil is too damp.
When used for succulents and cacti, take additional care not to overwater the plants.
- Pros: Suitable for plants that need frequent watering and plants that enjoy wet soil; useful for folks who forget to water their plants. can cut down on irrigation frequency
- Cons: Not suited for most cacti and succulents or plants that like or demand dry soil; additional care is required to prevent overwatering when using these sorts of succulent pots.
Selecting a pot or planter for succulents is often overlooked but it’s an important part of keeping your succulents happy and creating a beautiful arrangement!”
Succulentandsunshine.com
Self Watering Pots
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 water according to each plant’s particular needs.
Using self-watering containers can be the best way to grow some plants, particularly vegetables.”
Kerry Michaels, author from thespruce.com
Best Self-Watering Pots on Amazon
Plant Pots Self-Watering Succulent Pots
Plant Pots Self-Watering Succulent Pots
Elongated Self-Watering Planter Pots Window Box
Do Self Watering Planters Really Work?
Yes, but you must utilize them properly.
A container labeled “self-watering” does not really water itself.
It is a watering system that employs planters with a reservoir of water at the bottom.
This reservoir is linked to the plant’s location by a soil “foot” or a fabric “wick.”
Plants use a soil foot system to send roots deep into the soil and suck up as much water as they require.
Water is carried up the wick by capillary action into the soil of the main pot in a wick system.
In any case, the plants have access to water if there is water in the reservoir.
This enables you to water less often while still maintaining healthy plants.
Make sure the dirt in your planter is equally wet when you initially fill it.
Water from above until the plants have established a healthy root system.
Adding mulch to bigger pots (particularly those used outdoors) keeps the soil top from drying up too rapidly.
This boosts planter efficiency.
After your plant has settled in, just add water as required to maintain the reservoir full, and you should be good to go.
How Self-Watering Pots Work
Self-watering containers are practical, save water, and promote plant health.
These pots and planters use wicking action to distribute water from a built-in reservoir…
…allowing you to water your plants simply by topping up the reservoir rather than…
…keeping track of the soil moisture level and watering according to each plant’s specific demands.
What is the mechanism behind self-watering pots?
Self-watering pots work through capillary action, or wicking, and consist of a growth bed…
…potting soil, water reservoir, and wicking mechanism that brings the soil into contact with the water.
The soil wicks up more water as the plant roots absorb it, keeping a steady level of moisture in the soil.
These self-watering pots, also known as “sub-irrigation containers,” have grown in popularity due to their effectiveness and ease of maintenance.
They’re easy to make with affordable, readily accessible materials, or you can choose from a variety of elegant commercial solutions.
Although the design options for these self-watering pots are numerous…
…the four fundamental features outlined above always come together to provide…
…an elegant solution to houseplant care that is ideal for today’s busy lifestyles.
You’ll see why the self-watering pot trend has surged onto the market in recent years…
…once you learn how these planters work.
So keep reading to learn more about how self-watering pots function.
You’ll be motivated to try out these creative planters.
Capillary Action (Wicking)
Capillary action, sometimes known as “wicking,” is the mechanism that allows self-watering pots to function.
This motion is what permits a sponge to absorb liquid from a surface…
…a paintbrush’s hairs to pick up paint, and a candle’s wick to pick up wax.
This is also how plants, particularly the tallest trees, overcome gravity to take water up from their roots to the plant’s very top.
Intermolecular attraction in liquids, as well as attractive forces between a liquid and a solid object with narrow tubes or small spaces within it, create capillary action.
“Cohesion” is the attractive force between like molecules that binds a raindrop together.
While “adhesion” is the attractive force between unlike molecules in a liquid and a solid object (think of dewdrops clinging to a flower petal or a leaf).
The liquid will be propelled within these areas if the adhesive force between the liquid…
…and the solid is stronger than the cohesive force within the liquid…
…which occurs when the spacing between the solid material’s walls is sufficiently narrow.
When planting self-watering pots, make sure to fully water the potting soil from the top.
As the plants release water from their leaves, more water is taken up from the plant roots by capillary action to replace it.
The water collected by the roots from the soil is constantly refilled by capillary action within…
…the soil, which is fed from the reservoir via the wicking system’s capillary action at the bottom.
The soil stays continuously damp but not unduly wet thanks to the right potting mix and wicking mechanism.
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, it’s 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 the bottom…
…of the reservoir so they will always be in contact with the water, even when the water level is low.
Instead of sitting on the bottom of the growth bed, the wicks should extend into the potting soil at the top end.
Simply hold the top ends up when pouring the dirt into the container to achieve this.
The number of wicks required is determined by the size of the container…
…the type of potting mixture used, the wicking material used, and the quantity and type of plants used.
As a general rule, expect that each plant will require two wicks.
However, you should test your wicks with your soil to see how well the system works…
…and be prepared to make changes if your plants aren’t getting enough water.
Benefits of Self Watering Pots
- Water efficiently and effectively throughout the growing season.
- Maintain consistent root zone moisture.
- Reduce stress on plants caused by fluctuations in soil moisture.
- Eliminate the need to water every day.
- Prevent diseases and reduce maintenance costs.
- Save time and energy in maintaining plants.
- Improve plant growth and appearance.
- Save money!
If you are looking for a way to make your life easier, save money, conserve water and help improve your indoor environment we recommend considering a self-watering planter or container.
Why Choosing Self Watering Plants
Do you want to have more control over your plants?
Do you struggle with keeping up with daily watering rituals?
Would you prefer to spend less time outdoors during the hot summer months?
If so, self-watering plants could be just what you need.
The key benefit of choosing self-watering plants is that they allow you to water your plants at specific times and intervals based on your own schedule.
Most plants will do fine with weekly watering because they require only enough water for healthy growth.
However, some plants, such as trees, may require daily watering.
A self-watering planter or container will eliminate the hassle and anxiety associated with watering your plants.
You never have to worry about whether you watered them right or left out of the habit again.
Simply add water and watch the magic happen!
Sum Up
So the bottom line is,
Yes, self-watering pots are good for your snake plant.
But before jumping in with the smart gadget, you need to also learn a little bit about how to handle the mechanism.
When you know how to handle these sweet spots, you’d definitely love them.
Conclusion
Now it’s all you!
Have you ever tried using self-watering pots for your succulents?
If yes, share your story with the world in the comment down below.
Leave a Reply