If you are the type of person who forgets to water their plants, or would like to find an easier way to keep the potting mix damp, then you may want to consider using a self-watering plant pot.
You will find that over time you are likely to not even need to water your plant in the traditional sense. All that takes place is the changing of the water, which can be as little as once a week.
Recently we have been using the Phoenix Vine self-watering plant pot that is made from terracotta and has a water reservoir.
In this article we shall tell you all about it, and why we are happy to continue using it. Read on to find out more!
What Features Does The Phoenix Vine Self-Watering Planter Have?
The Phoenix Vine self-watering planter does not have much to it, and that is why it is so amazing to use. Often self-watering plant pots have a number of features that go with it, but the Phoenix Vine has been made so simple.
This means it is incredibly easy to use as well, and you will never have any issues trying to put it together or getting it to work.
Essentially it is just a plastic container (the reservoir) with a terracotta planter. However, there is more to its design than this simplicity.
The brand knows exactly what makes a good self-watering planter, and the fact that the plant itself will only need a ‘drip feed’ of water each day.
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How Does The Phoenix Vine Self-Watering Planter Work?
The Phoenix Vine self-watering planter works very simply yet effectively. The design has been created to make sure the plant gets the amount of water it needs each day.
This makes sure that the plant’s soil stays healthy to ensure the plant grows and is happy.
You place the plant in its potting soil within the terracotta planter as normal. You then fill the plastic container with water. Once the container has been filled, you can then place the planter inside the plastic pot.
The water will then seep through the terracotta pot using a capillary action. This will give the plant’s soil water in a consistent manner, without the need for you to water the plant.
Once you notice that the water level is low, then you can simply pour more water into the plastic container without moving the planter itself.
How Has The Self-Watering Planter Been Useful?
The Phoenix Vine self-watering planter has been incredibly useful. The reason for this is because it has taken away the ‘stress’ of having to water certain plants a few times a week. This is because it does the job for you – and more consistently!
It meant that a vacation was possible without having to let the plant suffer with dry soil. Especially during warmer weather too, when certain plants need extra watering.
The Phoenix Vine planter did a great job at keeping the soil nice and moist, without it being either overwatered or underwatered.
Can A Self-Watering Planter Help Reduce Root Rot?
Photo By Amazon
Have you ever left one of your plant’s to completely dry out for weeks, and then decided to drench it in water as if it is standing under a waterfall for a few minutes?
If that sounds familiar to you, then you may be increasing your plant’s chances of suffering with root rot.
A self-watering planter can really help you if this is something you make a bad habit of. Intervention is very limited too, because all you will need to do is fill up the reservoir to ensure that the plant is getting the water it needs.
Also, a self-watering planter makes sure that the plant gets the exact amount of water it needs each day. It is less than pouring water over and through the soil. This is because it gives the plant a steady but consistent stream of water every single day.
Helpful Self-Watering Planter Tips
Here are some helpful tips to make sure you are making the most out of your Phoenix Vine Self-Watering Planter:
1. Choose The Right Plant
You need to make sure that the plant you are using in a self-watering planter thrives in damp soil. This means you should avoid any plant that does far better in dryer conditions, or that requires dry soil in between waterings.
Examples of these are succulents and cacti, but there are plenty of others too. The water in the planter will provide the plant with wonderful humid conditions, so the plant you choose will want to have this as a requirement.
2. Make Sure The Planter Is The Correct Size
Another thing to think about is choosing the right size self-watering planter. Essentially it is a new plant pot, so the same rules apply.
If you are a beginner with plants, start with a small plant in a small-sized planter and go from there. You may find that after a year or two you will need to size up as the plant grows.
3. Avoid Attracting Flies
Sometimes moist soil can attract flies which may damage the plant. Unfortunately, this is very common with soil that needs to be kept moist.
To stop this from happening, you can add some pebbles or moss to the top of the soil. It may also look really attractive too.
4. Remember To Clean The Planter
You may just want to let the planter do its self-watering each week, meaning that all you need to do is refill it. However, like with anything that gets damp, it will start to smell and may grow mold.
For this reason, give it a clean in some warm and soapy water at least once a month.
Final Thoughts
Having a self-watering planter is a great idea for those plants that need constant moist soil. It also helps to keep watering consistent, and means you can have a vacation without fear of your plant dying.
The Phoenix Vine works a treat, and is a very simple design which does a great job overall.
