How to Use Self Watering Pots: The Complete Guide

Self watering pots make plant care easy and fun. These cleverly designed pots utilize a built-in watering system that gives your plants the right amount of water they need at any point in time. Perfect for anyone with a busy schedule or new to gardening, self watering planters save both your time and effort while keeping your potted plants healthy and thriving.

But how do self-watering planters work? In this expert guide, you’ll learn how to use self watering pots correctly to enjoy a hassle-free plant care experience that makes indoor gardening a breeze. Let’s grow happy plants together!

What Is a Self Watering Planter?

There are various smart watering systems and devices that make indoor plant care easy and hassle-free. One of the more common self-watering planters is a special type of container that has a water reservoir at the bottom. It uses a wicking system, such as a fabric string, to help the water from the reservoir reach the plant’s root system. No manual intervention is required with self-watering pots, except for refilling the reservoir when it’s nearly empty. 

More innovative smart watering devices utilize the natural ability of the plants to absorb moisture from the soil through their roots via the capillary action. The smart watering planter has a narrow opening at the bottom, which allows for the water to reach the roots as needed. Similarly to the popular and beneficial bottom watering method, once the pot tray is filled, the smart self watering planter delivers hydration only when your beautiful houseplant feels thirsty.

Benefits of Smart Self Watering Pots

Self-watering pots have several benefits over regular planters, regardless of whether you use them with indoor or outdoor plants.

• Time efficiency: Self-watering pot saves you time and hassle.

• Prevents plant stress: Smart watering pots keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; they also protect the plant from stress in dry and hot conditions.

• Reduced risk of under- and overwatering: Self-watering pots remove the guesswork associated with a plant’s watering needs.

• Water efficiency: Environmentally sustainable, this smart watering device conserves water by supplying only the required amount to the plant. 

• Ideal solution when on vacation: You can rely on self watering planters to keep your houseplants hydrated even when you’re away. 

• Perfect for the office: The convenience of planting office plants in self watering pots means that you can focus on more pressing tasks.

• Easy maintenance: Even beginners can set up a self-watering pot in a few minutes. 

• Ideal for small & medium plants: Self-watering planters are perfect for smaller and starter plants.

Which Plants Do Best in Self-Watering Pots?

Below is a list of all the best plants for self-watering pots that benefit the most from their sub-irrigation system. 

• Calathea: Calatheas, or prayer plants, grow well in evenly moist conditions created by self-watering planters. 

• Maranta: Marantas have varying watering needs based on the season. Using a self-watering pot for these plants is, thus, a great choice over manual watering to avoid waterlogging the soil and letting water sit on the leaves. 

• Philodendrons: Philodendrons are highly sensitive to over- and underwatering, a problem self-watering planters readily address.  

• Peace Lily: These beauties require regular watering, and the bottom-watering mechanism of self-watering planters keeps Peace Lilies happy and hydrated on the go. 

• Pothos: Hydroponic planters ensure a steady supply of water to maintain this vining plant’s lush, vibrant foliage. 

• Ferns: Ferns prefer moderate to high humidity and consistent watering to thrive, and a self-watering pot can help ensure that. 

How to Use Self Watering Pots Smart: All You Need to Know

How do you water a plant in a self-watering pot? The functionality of self-watering planters is quite simple. Let’s find out how they work, along with answering some common questions around these time-saving products. 

How Do Self-Watering Pots Work? 

Self-watering pots work in a straightforward process. Commonly, you fill the reservoir at the bottom of the planter with clean water or through a tube, depending on the type you have. A string-like wick at the center of the pot “transports” the water to the plant’s root system through capillary action. Your plant feels hydrated and happy at all times, as it receives only the amount of moisture it needs.

Where Does the Water Go in a Self-Watering Planter? 

The water goes in the tray-like reservoir of the self-watering planter, underneath the main pot. A wick, usually made of cotton or felt, soaks up the water to hydrate the roots of the plant. Some self-watering planters are fitted with a special tube that protrudes over the soil and is used to fill the reservoir. Others have an opening on the side or towards the bottom of the container.

Do You Put Soil in Self-Watering Pots?

Yes, you do put soil in self-watering pots. These pots require a specialized soil mix (typically rich in peat moss, coco coir, perlite, and vermiculite) that's super light, well-draining, and absorbent to enable proper wicking. Regular soil should be avoided, as it's heavy and less absorbent in nature. 

Do You Plant Directly Into Self-Watering Pots?

Yes, most self-watering pots allow you to plant directly in the top or inner section of the pot along with the soil mix. This way, you can easily access the plant for occasional inspection and the reservoir for refilling or cleaning purposes. Some self-watering planters work via inserts that can be placed inside any type of pot.

How Do You Fill a Self-Watering Planter?

To fill a self-watering planter, pour water into the fill tube or opening until the reservoir is full. Most planters have a water level indicator, so you can avoid overfilling the reservoir. The soil will absorb water as needed, keeping your plant constantly hydrated. Check the reservoir regularly and refill when it gets low or empty. 

How Often Do You Refill Self Watering Planters? 

Self-watering planters should be refilled as soon as the reservoir is nearly empty, which can be anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the type of plant, its size, and watering needs. Other factors also play a role, including the air temperature, humidity levels around the plant, and the reservoir size. Self-watering planters are not that great for large plants or very thirsty houseplant varieties.

How to Prevent Algae in Self-Watering Pots?

Algae growth is quite common in self-watering pots, and sunlight plays a very significant role in it, besides humid conditions and a surplus of nutrients in the soil. If you shade the area around the pot by covering it with a cloth, you can block light and help this algae from growing again. 

Self Watering Pots: FAQs

Q: Can you overwater with self-watering pots?

A: No, you’re less likely to overwater with self-watering pots. Your plant will only draw up water when it actually needs it through a wick, so there's less guesswork for you. Still, if the soil feels too wet on touch, empty the reservoir immediately. With a little attention, self-watering pots will keep your plants healthy, hydrated, and happy with minimal effort.

Q: Do self-watering wicks work?

A: Yes, self-watering wicks work really well! They bring the water up to the soil and the plant’s roots through a “capillary action,” allowing the plant to drink at its own pace. It's a simple and efficient way to keep plants hydrated without the fear of overwatering. Just check that the wick is properly placed and always in contact with both the water and the soil.

Q: What do you put in the bottom of self-watering pots?

A: A smart plant pot has a built-in reservoir or saucer at the bottom that holds water. There’s no real need to add anything extra. A wick, fabric string, or plastic tube transfers water from the reservoir to the soil as needed. Simply place your plant and potting soil in the upper section.

Q: Do self-watering pots cause root rot?

A: Self-watering pots generally don't cause root rot if you use them properly. They deliver just the right amount of water through a wick system. To prevent rot, avoid overfilling the tray and make sure the soil drains well. It’s also a good idea to check the soil regularly to ensure it’s not staying too wet. With the right balance, your plant’s roots will be healthy and strong!

Q: What is the disadvantage of self-watering pots?

A: Self-watering planters may be super useful, but they do have a few downsides. They're usually more expensive than regular pots and need occasional cleaning to prevent mold or algae build-up. You’ll also need to ensure the water reservoir is never empty. The convenience of never needing to water the plants yourself may lead to forgetting sometimes to refill the planters.

Q: What plants do not like self-watering pots?

A: Plants that prefer dry soil, like cacti, succulents, or some herbs, don’t like self-watering pots. These pots are designed to keep the soil consistently moist, which can lead to root rot or other issues for drought-tolerant plants. Instead, it’s best to stick to regular pots with proper drainage to keep these plants healthy.

Conclusion

Self-watering pots are probably the best plant maintenance innovation for people who want to grow lush greenery but don’t have the time to water them! These smart plant accessories promote healthy root growth while preventing over- or under-watering. By following this guide, you can easily enjoy a vibrant indoor garden at home. You can choose the best plants for self-watering pots and maintain them easily with these smart watering devices. Order your self-watering pot today and enjoy thriving plants with less effort!