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In order to keep me from going crazy over watering plants, I have… | Anything about plants 🇺🇸 | Planta-Community

Lynda

In order to keep me from going crazy over watering plants, I have tried watering spikes, stakes, glass globes, and these refillable plastic globes by Domenzi; the ones by Domenzi, are, by far, my favorite! My question to all of you out there who use these self watering devices, have you checked to see HOW WET THE SOIL REMAINS? I’m using these globes for plants that are tropical, or those that Planta says have medium moisture needs; but, what is moist? Using a hydrometer, I’m finding water levels extremely high, sometimes in the upper 50s and 60s%s. I’m concerned about root rot, with moisture levels that stay this high. I know many of you use these self watering devices; do you check the levels of soil moisture, and have you noticed any problems with plants being too wet, and suffering the consequences of such? CALL ME NERVOUS about using these self watering globes! TIA for your responses, 😬💚🪴!

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19 Kommentare

  1. Danii

    Id say only use these when you go on vacation. Water globes will continually drip water into the soil often leaving it pretty saturated by the time it’s empty. Use something like a knitting needle, metal chopstick, or even your hydrometer (ignoring the reading) to check moisture levels in between watering.

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    • Lynda

      Thanks, but, that’s what I was afraid of, 😢! 😐💚🪴

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  2. Lynda

    Is there any other way to help address moisture needs in plants that need moderate moisture levels, that is safe? TIA, 🤗💚🪴!

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    • GreenLeaf

      You could try using the siphon method… use a fabric based rope or string and put deep it into your soil, then put the other end in a glass of water. The premise is the fabric will absorb moisture transferring it to the soil, but should happen at a much slower rate than the drip bulbs. Same idea as a self watering pot with these coming out the bottom into the tray. Full disclosure, I have not tried this or have any plants in this type of watering situation. But I have seen it used.

      1 Like
    • Lynda

      It sounds like a good idea, but, for full disclosure, I’ll wait to try it after I hear that somebody has successfully used this method,😬. But, thanks for the idea; I’ll wait to see if I get some more responses to this, 🤗💚🪴!

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  3. Arlo

    My strategy is to just have so many plants I don’t have time to over water but I’m not sure I recommend it 🥲

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    • Lynda

      You are hilarious… but, that may be me, soon,☹️! Thanks for your input… 🤗💚🪴

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  4. Amy B

    I use the rope method and it works

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    • Lynda

      Thanks for your text… might you explain in more detail what this method is, how it works, and any other pertinent info; I am very interested! 🤗💚🪴

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  5. Amy B

    I put a piece of cotton rope or natural fiber material along the edge of the pot and out the drain hole. Repot your plant as usual. I then put the other end in a drip tray. Your pot needs to be elevated off the drip tray. Then keep water in the drip tray. If you use this method you need to be sure and top water at least monthly to wash the salts out of the soil. I call these my self watering pots and I make them from recycled containers but I think you could use a regular pot with a drip tray or cache pot. If more questions ask. I’m at work so I can’t send pics right now. If you want pics ask and I’ll send them later

    1 Like
    • Lynda

      Thanks SO MUCH for your newsy post; I sincerely appreciate it! Yes, I would love to see your pics, and can wait until you have some free time. Any positive info regarding watering, is something I can use… 🤗💚🪴!

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  6. Amy B

    I use this for ferns, begonias and frittonias mainly

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    • Lynda

      Not for all of your plants that have “medium watering needs”, as Planta describes them? TIA. 🤗💚🪴

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  7. Amy B

    I use it for plants that aren’t supposed to dry out. I’m a fussy plant parent so I’m in serious danger of overwatering!

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  8. Amy B

    These are the plants I’ve tried it on I may expand it but for now just these. Oh and my purple passion plant.

    1 Like
  9. MattL

    The method I use has to do with weight. When you pot up your plant, pick it up in your hand and get a good feel for how heavy it is. When the soil is saturated, it becomes heavier. If the top of the soil seems dry, I pick up the pot and if it feels too heavy, I don’t water it. You might think “will I really know” but water weighs more than you think. If you tend to overwater, you can also add more chunky elements to the soil like large pieces of perlite. A lighter potting mix sheds water faster.

    1 Like
  10. Sassy Rhonda

    If you bottom water, your plant will drink what it needs. No risk of over watering. Just be mindful if you’re watering from the tap, top water every now then, like once a month or so to flush it out.

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    • Lynda

      Thanks for your post. I have a lot of plants, and watering them takes me a lot of time. So, for bottom watering, do you just fill up your sink and set some plants in it for a period of time??? Actually, just thinking about it, I’m guessing the topsoil stays pretty dry, right? Since I’ve been dealing with some fungus gnats, maybe that method of watering might be helpful in keeping those critters in check. Can you give me a few more details about how you do the watering, how long your plants sit in water, and any other tidbit that I might need to help me successfully use this system? TIA. 🤗💚🪴

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    • Sassy Rhonda

      The gnats is what educated me on bottom watering! lol. I no longer have that emergent issue. It was crazy. Baptism by fire! lol I also bought those Zevo electronic traps. I don’t do bugs. I have different size Tupperware bowls that I use in accordance with the plant pot sizes. During the week I’ll use my water meter to check each plant to get a general idea of who needs to be watered and when. I don’t water every week but will check to be sure. I try to time it so that I have an actual “watering day.” Yes, it’s time consuming so I just budget that time for this. I take the time to decide which plant goes in which order. I use spring or distilled water depending on which plant I’m watering, plus I’ve already added Mosquito bits to the water jug so it’s a tea already prepared. I just pour the amount I think my plant needs into the bowl — maybe about a cup or two of water give or take depending on the size of your plant and pot. Obviously if larger then add a lot more. I place my plant in the bowl for ten to fifteen minutes. I check to see if it’s finished drinking. See if the top soil is getting moist and/or if the pot is draining freely. You can tell. Once done, I set that plant to the other side of the sink and let her/him drain well and empty/refill for the next plant. Be sure to look at your watch/clock when you put in each plant. You don’t want to drown your babies. lol. Once drained, I put them back in their cover pots with the saucers, enter data into Planta. Take their updated pictures, notes, etc. and back they go. I try not to let the top soil get moist as it defeats the purpose. Another note is if you’re using tap water, you really should top water your plants every now then to flush out excess minerals. Not often but definitely do it. I hope this helps.

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