FAQs
Houseplants: Popular houseplants like peace lilies, African violets, ferns, snake plants, and pothos are well-suited to these planters. They benefit from a stable amount of water. First, it reduces the risk of issues like leaf drop or wilting from irregular watering. Second, it prevents root rot with excess water.
What plants grow well in self-watering pots? ›
Houseplants: Popular houseplants like peace lilies, African violets, ferns, snake plants, and pothos are well-suited to these planters. They benefit from a stable amount of water. First, it reduces the risk of issues like leaf drop or wilting from irregular watering. Second, it prevents root rot with excess water.
Can you plant directly into self-watering pots? ›
Plant your plants in the top or inner section of the self-watering pot with moist potting mix. Water the topsoil the first time you use your self-watering pot to compact the soil on the plant roots. Fill the bottom reservoir whenever it's empty to water your plant.
What to put in the bottom of a self-watering planter? ›
Place a thin layer of gravel at the bottom of the planter. This will provide emergency drainage in case of over watering. To prevent the soil from entering the gravel section, place the filter fabric cloth over the gravel.
What kind of soil do you use for self watering containers? ›
The best recipes for self-watering containers use sphagnum peat moss and perlite. Add 2 tablespoons of ground lime, and ½ cup organic fertilizer blend for every 5 gallons.
What plants should not be in self watering pots? ›
Cacti and succulents need well-drained soil and cannot be grown in self-watering pots. A constant moisture supply to the soil puts succulents at risk of dying from overwatering. Desert succulents need to dry out between watering sessions since they are used to the arid environment.
Can you overwater plants with self watering pots? ›
It's very easy to overwater plants with self watering pots. I tried them a while back, and my plants were suffering.
When not to use self watering pots? ›
Con: They Are Not Good for Very Thirsty Plants
One of the cons of self-watering pots is that plants that need very moist soil may struggle with the bottom-up watering system. Self-watering pots will never properly soak a thirsty aquatic plant like umbrella palm or fiber-optic plant.
Do you need rocks in a self watering planter? ›
Some even require volcanic rock or porous pebbles at the bottom of the planter to hold additional water. Some have indicators that work based on water displacement and floaters to show you when the reservoirs are full. Rope wicks and volcanic rocks are used in self watering pots to help maintain water reservoirs.
How often do you put water in a self-watering planter? ›
Open the Reservoir Lid to the Self-Watering Pot
Fill it up with fresh, lukewarm water and close the lid. The reservoir should be filled monthly, allowing your plant to take what it needs while avoiding over-watering.
They can provide good drainage, prevent leaky messes and lighten your mental load in the short term. However, to ensure maximum plant perkiness, they're probably best used with the over-the-top watering method to ensure you're not solely relying on their 'wicking' concept.
Do you need to drill holes in self-watering planters? ›
As an added feature, Mayne self-watering planters* come with an overflow drainage hole. With constant drainage, there is no way to overwater or flood your roots. So, you do not need to worry about root rot. Any excess water will just drain out so you can rest easy knowing your plants are well taken care of.
Do self-watering planters need drainage holes? ›
“Self-watering” containers are an option for container gardening. Instead of drainage holes in the bottom, these containers have an overflow hole on one side. The growing medium sits on a perforated platform directly above a water reservoir. Plant roots grow through the medium and into the water.
What is the best way to use self-watering pots? ›
How to Use a Self-Watering Planter
- Fill the Self-Watering Planter with Potting Soil.
- Fill the Water Reservoir.
- Establish Root Development.
- Water from the Top Port.
- Drain Planter When Needed.
Mineral plant substrate
Pon is a nice substitute for potting soil. It consists of a mix of rubble, lava and/or clay stone. This varies by brand. Pon acts like a buffer: It absorbs water a nutrients and releases this when your plant needs it.
How do you fertilize plants in self-watering containers? ›
Use the fertilizer strip that comes with your container, as directed. Alternately, use dry, granular fertilizer mixed into the soil mix at the time of planting, but do not use liquid or time-release fertilizers in self-watering pots, and do not fertilize from either above or below after planting.
Are self-watering pots good for all plants? ›
One of the cons of self-watering pots is that plants that need very moist soil may struggle with the bottom-up watering system. Self-watering pots will never properly soak a thirsty aquatic plant like umbrella palm or fiber-optic plant. Choosing the right type of plant to go into your self-watering pot is key.
What plants can use self watering bulbs? ›
Instead, use them to hydrate peace lilies, spider plants, pothos, geraniums, petunias, herbs, or ferns to name a few. Remember, watering globes are not meant to replace your plant's regular watering schedule completely.
How often do you fill self watering pots? ›
Open the Reservoir Lid to the Self-Watering Pot
The reservoir should be filled monthly, allowing your plant to take what it needs while avoiding over-watering.
What do you feed plants in self watering pots? ›
Use the fertilizer strip that comes with your container, as directed. Alternately, use dry, granular fertilizer mixed into the soil mix at the time of planting, but do not use liquid or time-release fertilizers in self-watering pots, and do not fertilize from either above or below after planting.
