Choosing The Right Pots for Succulents
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 indoor plants such as succulent plants…
…fully nourished with automatic watering.
But before we dig deeper…
Key Takeaway
Are self watering pots for succulents or indoor plants?
Yes, you can utilize the pots, but make sure you understand how the pots work,
and take care not to overwater the succulent plant as they don’t need a lot of water to survive.
If handled wrong, you could cause excess water for the plants.
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 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 mix is too damp.
When used for succulents and cacti, take additional care not to overwater the plants.
Below are some of the pros and cons:
- Pros: Suitable for plants that need frequent watering and plants that enjoy moist 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 Planter or 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
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Are Self Watering Pots Reliable?
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 for Indoor Plants
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 water, 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 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!
Finally…
Pros and Cons
Self-watering pots can be a great option for succulents,
as they help to keep the soil moist and prevent over-watering.
The pros of using self-watering pots include less frequent watering,
which is beneficial for busy gardeners who may not have time to water their plants every day.
Additionally, these pots are designed to provide just the right amount of water for succulents,
so you don’t have to worry about overwatering or underwatering your plants.
The cons of using self-watering pots include the cost of purchasing them…
…and the fact that they require electricity in order to work properly.
Additionally, if you don’t monitor the water levels regularly,
it can be easy to forget when it needs refilling.
Sum Up
So the bottom line is,
Yes, self-watering pots are good for your snake plant, just like rice water.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions Around Self Watering Pots for Succulent
Are Self-watering Plant Pots Good for Succulents?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the care…
…and maintenance of succulents will vary depending on the type of succulents you have.
However, in general, self-watering plant pots are a good option…
…for those who want to avoid water wastage and more involved watering schedules.
Most succulents need about 1 inch of water per week,..
…but some may require up to twice that amount.
By using a self-watering pot, you can regulate the amount…
…of water your succulent receives based on its needs instead…
…of having it taken advantage of by other plants or even rainfall runoff.
This means less work for you and overall better care for your plants!
What Containers are Best for Succulents?
Depending on the succulent, containers may vary in size, shape, and material.
However, a few specific types of containers are often recommended…
…for growing succulents: plastic nursery pots with drainage holes…
…punched in the bottom (to allow moisture and nutrients to escape),..
…terra cotta planters or flower pots with good drainage…
…succulents like water droplets falling onto their leaves,..
…small glass jars with tight-fitting lids, opaque enough so sunlight…
…does not penetrate, but air can enter to provide humidity and…
…discourage spoilage, reusable cloth bags filled with sphagnum…
…moss or soil (made from cornstarch which is naturally mold resistant).
Ultimately it’s important to select a container that is appropriate…
…for the type of succulent you’re planting as well as your own personal gardening style.
You don’t want too large of a container or one that is difficult to move around.
Instead, aim for something that offers decent drainage and is aesthetically pleasing.
Do Self watering Planters Really Work?
Yes, self-watering planters do, in fact, work.
They use a fraction of the water that traditional pot plants require,..
…and they can be controlled through an app or even from your smartphone.
This allows you to water them when it is needed and avoid over-watering,..
…which can lead to root problems.
Additionally, self-watering planters usually last longer than…
…traditional pots because they don’t need flowers or other decorations for natural fertilization.
Are the pots reliable for African Violets?
No, self-watering pots are not typically recommended for African Violets.
These plants prefer to have their soil kept evenly moist, but not soggy.
Self-watering pots can cause the soil to become too wet, leading to root rot and other issues.
It is best to water African Violets from the top of the pot with a watering can or spray bottle.
