What are self-watering pots?

In recent times, and due to our lifestyle, new systems or methods have emerged to keep our plants cared for in our absence. Some of them are the homemade ones, with a simple plastic bottle the roots will have enough water for a few days. But if we are looking for something more elegant, we will definitely opt for the self-watering pots.

These containers, used correctly, can be of great help to us, but if we do not choose the species well, then it will be an unnecessary waste of money. Let’s see what they are and what type of plant can live well in them .

What are self-watering pots?

If you are a person who travels a lot or has little time to take care of plants, a self-watering or self-watering pot can be very helpful. These are containers closed at one end, which include a system thanks to which the plants are kept hydrated.

They are made up of two containers: the external one is the one that fulfills the decorative function, while the internal one is where the irrigation system is located. The parts of it are:

• Water level indicator : it is important to add the indicated amount so that the pots fulfill their function well.
• Irrigation tube : this is where we will pour the water. It is highly recommended that it be rainy, or without lime, since otherwise this tube would end up with lime residues and could even accumulate so much inside that the pot would no longer be useful.
• Grid : keeps the root ball, and therefore the substrate, slightly separated from the water. Some models do not have.
• Absorption tubes or cotton strip : they are those that absorb water, and in turn, this moisture will be absorbed by the roots.
• Float : it is a piece that keeps the absorption tubes of the water reserve a little apart.
• Water reserve : as its name indicates, it is the amount of water that remains in the self-watering pot and that has not yet been absorbed.

How do self-watering pots work?

Self- watering pots work through a watertight water tank that is connected to absorption tubes , which is where the roots absorb the precious liquid.

The way of use is very simple . All you have to do is fill the absorption tubes with the appropriate substrate for each plant, leaving room for the root ball or earth loaf of the roots, introduce the plant and finish filling the pot. Finally, it will be necessary to fill the water reserve through the irrigation tube, without exceeding the maximum level.

What types of plants can be planted?

Although you have surely heard and / or read that any type of plant can be had in these pots, the reality is different. If we put a cactus in a self-watering pot, for example , it will most likely die in a few days. Plants called »indoor», succulents and trees will not be able to live well in these pots either. Why? Because they can’t tolerate having their feet constantly wet, which is how they would be in these pots.

With this in mind, self- watering pots I only recommend if you want to plant riverside plants or plants that need frequent watering , such as rose bushes, geraniums and all those flower species that can be used to decorate balconies , reeds, papyri, etc.