this post was submitted on 18 Aug 2023
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21
Self-Watering Pots - What are they good for? (self.houseplants)
submitted 1 year ago by malcriada_lala to c/[email protected]
18 comments fedilink hide all child comments
 

Self watering pots have a lot of downsides, but I find myself with several decorative plastic ones that I want to find a use for. What sort of plants thrive in these pots? What have you had luck with?

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[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

I don't understand the issues surrounding bottom watering pots with a wick.

I have a number of succulents in them, and of course the usual unkillable Pothos. I partially/fully fill the bottom part (Depending on it's carrying capacity) once every 2+ weeks and for the succulents they're good to go. Saves me A LOT of effort doing the usual bottom watering process of putting the pots in a large container of water until the water saturates the soil.

Can someone go into detail on the downsides of such pots?

[–] malcriada_lala 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

many plants don't do well with wet roots. self watering pots don't allow soil to dry out and can cause a variety of issues depending on the plant. I'm surprised to hear you have had luck with a succulent of all things since they don't need to be watered often.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

I've had good success so far. But I don't keep water in the bottom container; It gets filled once every two weeks (+ depending on time of year) and if I put too much water in I get rid of it by the end of the day.

I used to get tubs and soak the pots for watering but this wicking action is a real time saver and a lot less messy.

And of course the Pothos figured out exactly where the water was coming from and send thick roots right to the bottom of the pot.

Maybe it's the amount and time frame? I dunno. It "seems" to be working with the Haworthia throwing up flowers and the various cacti continuing to grow. Or maybe it's the zenith before the fall.

Hence why I ask. If' I'm running down the path to plant death and the signs aren't there yet I'd love to hear others' experiences.

[–] malcriada_lala 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Ahh I see. You aren't using the pots as true self watering pots, instead it sounds like you are using them for easy bottom watering. I have been trying to switch to bottom watering since it' supposed to encourage strong rootsgrown and my plants seem to refuse to grow strong root systems. Maybe I need to to use your strategy.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago

Yes. It's a labor saving process :) I understand now what I'm doing is not "self watering". Hence my original concern which is unfounded.

All I can say is after 3 months it seems to be working. None of my plants get a constant supply of water (Not even the Pothos); they are allowed to dry out to some extent (The non succulents) or to a greater extent (succulents) before their next drink. So far so good. :)