Wick and grow pot systems, often called self-watering planters, offer a simple solution for consistent plant hydration. This method eliminates the guesswork of traditional top-watering by providing moisture from below on demand. The basic principle involves a passive irrigation technique that keeps the growing medium uniformly moist, reducing the frequency of watering while promoting healthier root development.
Understanding How Self-Watering Pots Work
The core mechanism that powers a wick and grow pot system is capillary action, the force that allows water to travel up a narrow tube against gravity. This system is composed of three main parts: the outer reservoir, the inner grow pot, and the wick, which acts as the conduit. The reservoir holds the water supply beneath the inner pot containing the plant and soil.
A wick, typically made of a synthetic material like nylon or felt, is situated with one end submerged in the reservoir and the other embedded in the growing medium. The molecular attraction between the water and the wick causes the water to climb up the wick and into the soil. This process ensures the root zone receives a continuous supply of moisture, preventing the cycle of extreme wetness and dryness common with manual watering. The plant controls its own water intake, pulling moisture from the soil, which is then replenished by the wicking action.
Setting Up Your Wick and Grow Pot System
The initial setup is important to ensure the system functions correctly by establishing the capillary connection. Begin by preparing the wick material; if it is a synthetic cord, it should be soaked in water for several minutes before use to ensure it is saturated and ready to transport moisture. The wick must then be positioned, with one end secured into the drainage hole of the inner grow pot so it hangs down into the reservoir.
The choice of growing medium is important, as it must be light and porous to facilitate the upward movement of water. Standard potting soil can be too dense and may impede wicking action. Use a specialized mix or amend regular soil with materials like perlite or vermiculite. These amendments increase the soil’s porosity and improve its ability to draw water upward. After placing the wick and a layer of medium, position the plant and fill the rest of the pot, ensuring the wick is completely surrounded by soil to maintain contact.
Once the inner pot is filled and planted, top-water the plant thoroughly until water begins to drain into the reservoir below. This initial saturation of the soil is necessary to establish the connection between the growing medium and the wick, initiating the capillary action. For the first few weeks, continue top-watering if the reservoir level drops quickly, ensuring the plant establishes a strong root system before relying completely on the wick system.
Daily Use and Reservoir Management
Routine management of the reservoir is straightforward and requires less frequent attention than traditional watering. The water level can be monitored visually or by observing the gauge in systems with an indicator. Refilling is necessary when the reservoir is low, but allowing the level to drop significantly before refilling can mimic a slight drying cycle, which helps oxygenate the roots.
Liquid fertilizer can be added directly to the reservoir, allowing the plant to absorb the dissolved nutrients along with the water. Alternatively, a controlled-release granular fertilizer can be mixed into the growing medium during planting. Because the system constantly draws water upward and does not flush the soil from the top, there is a risk of mineral and salt buildup near the soil surface.
To prevent this accumulation, which can impede the wick’s function and harm the plant, the system requires occasional flushing. Once every few months, top-water the plant thoroughly with plain water until a significant amount drains into the reservoir. This water, containing the flushed salts, should be emptied from the reservoir to maintain a healthy growing environment.
Selecting Plants for Wick Systems
Wick systems are best suited for plants that prefer a consistently moist soil environment without being waterlogged. Candidates include many common houseplants, such as African violets, peace lilies, and most ferns. Moisture-loving herbs like basil and mint, and vegetables requiring steady hydration (tomatoes, peppers, and leafy greens) also thrive in these containers.
The constant moisture supplied by the wicking action makes the system unsuitable for certain plant types. Plants that require a distinct period of dryness between waterings, such as succulents, cacti, or Mediterranean herbs like rosemary and thyme, should be avoided. Placing these drought-tolerant species in a wick system can lead to root damage because the soil never dries out sufficiently to prevent oversaturation.