Houseplant Watering Systems

Picture Source: Amazon.com

​There are many systems for indoors that claim to do a great job delivering moisture for houseplants.  But as gardeners we know that each plant has its own finicky needs and the challenge even for hand watering is how to provide just the right amount.  Several winters ago, I tested a few systems prior to going on a two-week trip.  While my neighbor has proven to be even more reliable than myself, it was time to find an alternative way to take care of the plants.  

My goal was to find a system that worked, did not require a hook-up to our water system or electricity, and was inexpensive. 

I first tried those ubiquitous watering globes you can find in almost any hardware store.  The package claimed to deliver the perfect amount of water as the plants needed it.   Even the largest globes were hard to fill at the water faucet and to get to the plant.  After a day, no matter what moisture level, they were emptied.  Although I have not tried doing the same with soda bottles, I suspect they work or don't work on the same principle.  The globes look nice, so I now use them as decoration in my houseplant pots (sans water.)

My next experiment was with a wick – basically a cotton rope.  The wick is soaked in water then one end goes into the plant pot, the other into a container of water.  It's best to put the wick in when you repot as you need to get it all the way to the bottom and in the center near the roots.  As the soil and wick dry, the wick pulls in moisture from the container.  This method worked well although was not reliable each and every time.  There is also no way to regulate exactly how much water is delivered; all plants got the same amount. 

Finally I happened upon a system that used the same wicking principle.  This one had a ceramic cone that is filled with water and a small tube with a ceramic end that is placed in the water container.  The water container can be moved above or below to deliver just the right amount of water for that plant.  I found these to be so much more reliable than even my hand watering.  I watered my houseplants by this method all winter long experimenting with the right level for the water container to deliver the right amount of water.  I left my houseplants for two weeks without any problems. 

There are a number of types and sources for these types of watering systems.  Here is what I used for my experiment:

• Globes – can be found in most hardware stores or online
• Wick – used Water Worm ™ from Polymath Company
  ​http://water-worm.com/  You can also make your own with a cotton rope.
• Ceramic cone – used Automatic Plant Waterers from Lee Valley, http://www.leevalley.com/US/garden/page.aspx?p=45295&cat=2,2280,54307&ap=2

Here’s hoping you find that perfect system for your plants the next time you need to leave them. 

(This article first appeared in the May 2012 North Country Master Gardener Newsletter.)