Self-Watering Pots - What's the Deal?

Self-watering/ self-wicking pots on the market are designed to provide a consistent and controlled water supply to plants. Some companies even claim they work with all kinds of plants. Provided they are used correctly these types of pots are generally suitable for keeping certain plants alive. Not all plants are well-suited for self-watering pots: many plants need to dry out between waterings (allowing crucial oxygen to reach the roots,) and using a self-watering pot for these plants can lead to root-root and a host of other problems. If one is used it is important to be sure to choose plants that are compatible with the consistent moisture provided by self-watering pots.

Another, often overlooked, factor of self-watering pots is that using the wrong type of potting mix can impact their effectiveness. Self-watering pots often have an issue with equal distribution of water. It's essential to use a well-draining potting mix to ensure excess water can still escape to prevent waterlogged roots. This means that your plant may seem like its doing well at first, but as its roots expand downward towards the resevoir it will suffer from dreaded "wet feet" - an area of the pot that has become waterlogged, lacks oxygen and will kill your plant. They also may require occasional maintenance, such as cleaning the reservoir to prevent algae or mineral buildup. Failure to maintain the pot's components can affect its functionality and the health of your plants. In extreme cases, miscare of these kinds of pots can lead to infestations of fungus gnats and other nasty critters that are attracted to the standing water.

Self-watering pots can be an excellent tool for helping certain plants thrive, but they are far from a guarantee of success. Proper use, care, plant selection and maintenance are essential to ensure that self-watering pots contribute positively to the health of your plants. With the right care, self-watering pots can be a valuable asset for gardeners who want to provide consistent moisture to certain plants in their collection. With the wrong care and plant selection, they will lead to root rot and other issues.