Self-Watering
Wicks And Pots
When one thinks "self-watering,"
two different systems usually come to mind - those involving wicks,
and those involving special pots:
Wicks
Wicks come in two primary configurations - those that are pushed
into the top of the plant, and those that are threaded through the
drainage hole. Top wick systems are used a lot by "vacation
feeders," whereas bottom wicks, or sub-irrigation systems,
must be set up when the plant is first introduced into the pot.
In both cases, the wick is generally composed of a thick, fibrous
material (such as cotton cord), and set into a container full of
water. Capillary action draws the water into the soil as the plant
needs it.
Pots
Self-watering pots are another excellent way to keep constant moisture
on moisture-loving plants. These systems usually include a pot with
a reservoir for water in the base. Capillary action and/or evaporation
draw water into the soil, providing the plants with even watering
without the dangers of fertilizer salt build-up or root rot. You
can buy either pre-built self-watering containers, or a reservoir
to put in the bottom of a standard container to create your own
self-watering pot.
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