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I am having difficulty understanding BOTTOM WATTERING. What is the… | Anything about plants 🇺🇸 | Planta-community

Lynda

I am having difficulty understanding BOTTOM WATTERING. What is the difference between sitting a plant in water so that it sips water through the hole in the bottom of its pot or using TERRACOTTA SELF WATERING SPIKES or PLANT WATERING GLOBES to water your plants? It seems like both methods would accomplish the same thing, that is to keep your plant watered. I’ve been using the old-fashioned method of just pouring water into the top of the soil to water my plants, but I’m looking for an easier way to water. I would definitely appreciate some insight on this as I am very confused about these two methods of watering. My primary concern: will the use of the bottom watering method cause my plants to remain too wet in comparison to the other two methods I spoke of? TIA for any comments. Regards, 🤗💚🪴

5 gillningar 11 kommentarer

11 kommentarer

  1. eatyacarbs

    I only bottom water plants that require it — fuzzy leaf things like african violets for example. There are other reasons to do it and I’m sure the fans will chip in but i’ll give my normal bottom watering warning lol — If you choose to bottom water plants, be sure to periodically top water to flush your soil of minerals and fertilizers that will build up over time and damage your roots. If you have a plant that you know might be in a pot that’s a bit too large, certainly avoid bottom watering until you’re sure roots have made it to the bottom of the pot otherwise you’ll risk rot. Bottom watering differs from the spikes you’re referring to in that the spike stays in and the soil only absorbs what it needs and the rest stays in the globe. Bottom watering you’ll want to set the plant in a bowl of water for 15-30 minutes (ish) depending on the size of your pot until the soil is all the way moistened, or the water has been absorbed from the bowl — whichever comes first. Personally I don’t consider bottom watering easier — its more of a hassle for me, and I like the routine of walking around with my little watering pot haha hope this helps!

    10 gillningar
    • Lynda

      Honestly, this is the clearest answer I have had yet, and it has really helped me to understand exactly what bottom watering is, which means, I’d better stop having most of my plants sit in water for a lengthy period of time, right?! Thanks so much for the time you took to explain exactly what bottom watering is. 🤗💚🪴

      2 gillningar
    • Arlo

      All of this, but I’ll add that for most of my plants that hate water on their leaves (fuzzy plants and tradescantias) I actually got this squeeze watering tool as part of a succulent/terrarium care kit that was recommended on a succulent blog and I love it. I use it for all of my really small plants now, even if they are ok with water on the leaves because it’s so much easier to control.

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      6 gillningar
    • Lynda

      That is a terrific idea and I’d like to try it! Do you have some specifics on exactly what it’s called or where I can order it? Maybe I could find it on Amazon??? TIA. 🤗💚🪴

      0 gillningar
  2. Alyssa

    Good points from eatyacarbs, I’d add that bottom watering to me seems like a lot more work than top watering. Especially having to pull all your plants into big tubs or containers every week or so. I only bottom water if the soil looks hydrophobic at first or if one plant looks extra thirsty and I’m busy with other things then I’ll just set and forget for a bit. But mostly I just top water and make sure I get the soil evenly moist all the way through, having terracotta pots helps a lot to see the water saturating all the way through the bottom and into the saucer. If you want to “bottom water” plants with more ease, I’d recommend using a soil medium like leca or semi hydro and then you have a reservoir at the bottom of each pot that you fill with water and let the plant soak it up that way. Then all you have to do is go around and top off each reservoir.

    2 gillningar
    • Lynda

      Thanks so much for your comments, especially the note about using a different soil type like leca or semi hydro; that’s news to me. I think I’ll try it with some of my plants and see how they like it! 🤗💚🪴

      1 gilla
    • eatyacarbs

      yess to all of this!

      2 gillningar
    • Alyssa

      Of course! Yes! It’s a great way to make your plant chores more manageable and less time consuming, just some tips I’ve seen from others: planting your plants in clear draining containers and then using a cache pot (with no drainage) to use as a reservoir or planting your plants in clear non draining pots to see the water reservoir line clearly, making sure all the old soil medium is off the roots as much as possible to avoid rot, and making sure your fertilizer is one that can be used in a hydroponic way. I hope it goes well for you and your plants! 😊🌱

      1 gilla
    • Lynda

      Thanks so much for your additional information! It just helps make this watering chore clearer, and, I think, a bit easier; that’s what we all would like, right? 🤗💚🪴

      1 gilla
  3. Hort Specialist

    I 2nd @eatyacarbs comment. Really depends on the application. There is no easy way around it other than those self watering kits but usually those are used for when you go away, too busy during days and need something there for reinsurance. They fit most criteria but not all applications.

    2 gillningar
    • Lynda

      Thanks for your comments; I appreciate your help. With some foreseeable extended time away from my plants, I may have to look into one of those self watering kits that you mentioned; TXS for suggesting that! 🤗💚🪴

      1 gilla