Are you too busy living your best life and do not have enough time to tend to your plants? Yeah, you are not alone. Who has time for watering and fertilizing their plants when beach trips and brunch dates are to be had? Well, enter plant watering globes.
These little guys are like the Mary Poppins of plant care, watering your greens while you soak up the beach sun. No more plant guilt or fear of coming home to a brown, shriveled mess.
Your plants need you, but taking a break is okay, especially when a watering globe can do your work!Plant watering globes go by many names. Plant Nannies, Aqua Globes, Plant Watering bulbs, Plant Watering Spikes, and Plant Watering Wands, to state a few.
But hey, as long as they keep our beloved plants hydrated, people can call themselves whatever they want. All you have to do is fill up the globe, stick it in the soil, and you are good to go. Your plants will receive a trickle of water for two weeks.
However, do they work as claimed? Well, read on to find out! We tested several plant watering globes and have listed the best ones at the end of this blog.
RELATED: Humidifier For Houseplants: A Complete Guide on How To Use Them and Important Tips
What Are Plant Watering Globes?
Watering globes are blown glass spheres with long thin necks or spikes to help water your plants.
The self-watering bulbs with their long thin necks are the superheroes of the plant world. They are like the fancy ballgowns of the gardening world. Some even have tinted colors and attractive designs. However, what makes these watering bulbs so unique?
Well, plant watering globes are designed to release water slowly into the soil. They ensure that your plants stay hydrated even without constant watering and hassle.
In other words, they are the bartenders of the plant world, serving up just the right amount of water to keep your green friends happy. And the bigger the globe, the longer the water lasts. All in all, if you want to give your plants the VIP treatment but have a busy schedule, just stick one of these bad boys into the soil, and you are good to go!
How Does A Self-Watering Bulb Work?
A self-watering bulb gives your plants a slow and steady water supply, keeping them hydrated.
A self-watering globe is a piece of blown glass beauty and a mini plant water tank. All you need to do is fill the watering bulb and stick it into the soil from the bottom end of its thin, long neck. That is it. Next, the laws of physics come into play! The dirt underneath will limit the water\’s escape rate but do not worry. The globe has got this under control.
Then, as the water seeps out, weak vacuum forms in the globe. This keeps too much water from escaping from the self-watering bulb and keeps it from emptying at once. It is like the bulb knows just how much water your plant needs, no more, no less. Genius!
However, wait, there’s more! When the soil around the neck of the globe dries out, air rushes in and displaces some water. It is as if the plant and the watering bulb are conversing – Hey, globe, I need a drink! ”No problem, plant. Here s a sip of water for you.”
Over time, this gradual, slow, and steady release of water keeps your plant hydrated and happy. The watering bulb is a personal hydration coach for your plant. And when the soil is saturated with water, equilibrium is reached when water stops leaving the bulb.
This, in turn, prevents the air from entering the globe until the plant needs more water.
When To Use A Plant Watering Bulb?
Watering bulbs are helpful tools to give your potted plants water while you are away.
- Planning a short vacation but worried about leaving your plants thirsty? Don’t worry; watering globes are here to save the day. Watering globes can keep your thirsty plants hydrated, giving you peace of mind while having a margarita by the beach.
- Are you a busy plant parent with a hectic schedule? Fear not, because watering globes are your new BFFs! These nifty little devices provide a slow and steady release of water, ensuring your plants stay hydrated even if you can’t be there.
- Do you have a lot of tropical plants or herbs that require consistent soil moisture? Watering globes to the rescue! These magic globes can provide a steady water supply, preventing the soil from drying out too much or becoming too soggy.
- Are you short and have difficulty reaching your hanging baskets or tall plants? Well, watering globes are your new best friend! Just stick the bulb into the soil and let it work its magic. No more standing on chairs or getting tangled up in vines!
- Do you sometimes forget to water your plants? Well, it happens to the best of us. Nevertheless, a watering globe can help water your plants. And when the bulb runs out of water. Just fill it up, and let the guilt-free plant parenting begin!
How Long Do Self-Watering Bulbs Last?
Typically, an average-sized plant watering bulb will last about two weeks.
So you want to keep your plants hydrated but do not have the time to water them daily? Well, say hello to the self-watering globes! These little magic balls can keep your plant babies happy and healthy. But how long can watering globs keep them hydrated?
First, size matters (we are talking about the globes). For instance, a small watering bulb might empty faster than a politician\’s promises. In contrast, a bigger bulb might last longer than a Game of Thrones episode. Furthermore, plants have their drinking preferences too.
Some plants might sip like British tea connoisseurs, while others might chug their water like frat boys at a pub. So, people have trouble choosing a suitable watering bulb sometimes, and customer support often suggests packing the soil to retain more water.
However, be warned; this won\’t always work. The moisture content of the potting soil and the amount of sunlight around your plant can also affect how quickly that globe empties.
On average, a self-watering bulb should keep your plant hydrated for about 1-2 weeks.
But once again, you must keep an eye on your little green guys and adjust the frequency of refilling the globe as required so your plants don\’t stay thirsty.
RELATED: Power Rake Vs. Dethatcher | What’s The Difference & When To Use Them?
How To Use Aqua Globes Correctly?
Say goodbye to overwatered or underwatered plants! Here is how to use an aqua globe.
Now let\’s get to the root of the problem and see how to use an aqua globe. First, please remember that these little guys are made of glass. So please handle them carefully.
You do not want your watering globe to turn into a million tiny pieces, do you? Secondly, aqua globes are not meant for the outdoors. They are designed for indoor plants.
Nevertheless, let\’s see how you can use an aqua globe correctly!
1. Prepare The Globe
Before you enjoy the benefits of a self-watering bulb, you must do some gasp preparation.
First of all, wash your brand-new watering globe with water. There might be dust, dirt, or even a tiny creature lurking inside. So, take it to the sink and give it a good scrub. Next, fill it with water. However, use tap water, not dirty or murky water, to wash the globe.
Once the aqua globe is filled up about halfway, get ready for some real excitement.
Swirl that water around like you\’re a mixologist creating the perfect cocktail. Once you are done, pour that water out like a world-class bartender pouring a fancy drink.
And there you have it. The preparation phase for your aqua globe is complete.
2. Fill The Globe With Water
Alright, time to get serious. Your plant deserves the best. So, do not let any impurities or pollutants get in the way, and always use super-premium water to fill your aqua globe.
As for me, I use filtered water to fill my plant watering globes. However, you can use tap water too. Just ensure you do not spill; we do not want to waste the water.
Filling up the aqua globe at first might feel tricky as the opening to the aqua globe is narrow. It is like fitting into your skinny jeans after a big meal at a dinner party. So take your time. Go slow, and please do not be frustrated if you spill. It happens to the best of us.
However, whatever you do, do not fill the watering bulb up all the way. You want to give our plant room to breathe, not drown them in a watery grave.
3. Put The Aqua Globe In The Soil
Once you have your aqua globe filled wait water, it is time to give your little green babies the gift of hydration. The best part? You can do it without even lifting a finger. No more nagging your lazy roommate to water your plants while you are away on a weekend getaway.
However, it would help if you remembered a few things when sticking the globe in the soil.
- Firstly, please ensure that your plants are adequately watered. You do not want your plant to suck up all the water and leave your globe high and dry like a desert.
- Secondly, please do not shove that globe into the soil like a bull in a china shop. Be gentle! Use a stick or a pencil to create a hole. Then, quickly flip that globe into the as you are about to perform a magic trick. If it does not fit, do not force it.
- Nobody likes a broken bulb, especially not your plants. So, if its neck does not fit in the soil, dig the hole a little bigger. And then try again and again until it fits.
- Once that globe is in the hole, pack some soil around it. A little water may spill out first, but don\’t worry. It\’s not a leak. It\’s just the globe getting cozy with the soil.
Now sit back, and relax. Also, prepare for the vacation you have been planning for so long.
4. Keep Monitoring The Aqua Globe
Easy peasy lemon squeezy, right? Just get a watering globe and forget your plants!
Well, no! You cannot just set it and forget it. You must give that little globe some attention. It must be refilled every few days with water and might even need an occasional rub down.
And what if you see any algae or debris floating around in there? Well, do not panic! It is nothing. Just grab a cotton swab or a pipe cleaner and get to work. It is like a miniature aqua globe spa day, and your plants will thank you for it. But wait, there\’s more!
You might ask yourself, why is there more? Well, there is, so let\’s get to it. Sometimes the water in your globe looks might look a little bit cloudy. However, do not worry!
Mix dish soap, baking soda, and warm water into a bottle. Some people even use baking soda and lemon juice mix. Nevertheless, no matter what you use, just make sure to give your aqua globe a good wash with it, and voila, your globe is back in action!
Tips For Correctly Using Watering Bulbs
Monitoring the soil moisture is essential to ensure the plants get sufficient water.
While watering bulbs are great for watering your plants, using them can be tricky for beginners sometimes. So, to avoid any mishaps, here are some tips on correctly using watering bulbs. These will help you make the most out of your spet bucks.
Use A Pot Of A Proper Size
When it comes to self-watering bulbs, size does matter. These little globes may seem harmless, but once filled with water, they become top-heavy. So, if you use an aqua globe, give it the right-sized pot to balance its weight. A small, flimsy planter will not cut it.
Check The Seal On The Globe
Look at that bulb top when setting the aqua globe into the pot! If you see a constant stream of bubbles rising to the top, your watering bulb has a bad seal. And that is not good news! If the seal is bad, the bulb will lose water faster than a cheetah chasing prey!
On the other hand, if you see tiny bubbles popping up occasionally, do not worry! That is a good sign. It means that the self-watering globe in the pot is working perfectly.
Set The Aqua Globe At The Right Angle
Do not set an aqua globe at a horizontal angle when placing it into a pot. If you do that, you will create a flood zone that not even Noah\’s Ark could handle! Please ensure that you put it straight up in the pit. It will give you the best results. Setting the aqua globe straight up will seal it up like a pro, giving your plants a slow and steady stream of water.
Water The Plants Before Placing The Bulb
When sticking a watering globe in the soil, you must ensure the potting soil is adequately watered. No half-hearted watering jobs here, unfortunately. The aqua globe will empty too quickly if the soil is too dry. Also, we need to create a seal with the globe.
The watering bulb will also empty too quickly if a seal does not form. Also, please do not do it with your fingers. Instead, grab an old pencil and create an adequately sized hole.
Regularly Clean The Watering Bulb
As already said, watering globes over time might get dirty, and sometimes, even algae might start growing inside them. So, keep checking them regularly and clean them if needed.
You can use a pipe cleaner or even a narrow bottle brush for this. However, remove all the impurities and provide your plants with clean and crystal-clear water.
Pros & Cons Of Using Aqua Globes
Watering globes are not perfect — they have some significant flaws, which we will discuss here.
While aqua globes are a convenient and effective way to water plants when busy or not available, they also have drawbacks. So, in this part of the blog, we will explore the pros and cons of using Aqua Globes to help you decide if they are the right choice for you.
| Pros | Cons |
| Convenient and time-saving. Can prevent over-watering. Cost-effective. Easy to use. Can improve plant growth. Can be used both indoors and outdoors. Can help conserve water. Reduce the risk of soil erosion. Can be used for a variety of plants. Can help maintain moisture in the soil. | Limited water capacity. May not be suitable for all plants. Can be prone to clogging. May not be as effective as manual watering. May require frequent refilling. Can be unsightly in some planters. Can be easily knocked over or damaged. May not be ideal for extreme weather conditions. May not provide enough water for larger plants. Can be expensive for larger plant collections. |
RELATED: Do Pots Need Drain Holes? Plus Importance of Good Drainage for Plant Health
Plants That Benefit From Aqua Globes
Watering globes only work for medium to large plants as they can only be used in deep pots.
Let\’s face it, we all have a love-hate relationship with our plants. We love them as they make us look like the Garden of Eden. However, sometimes we also hate them because they can be high maintenance. Like seriously, why can’t the plants just water themselves?
Well, they can – with the help of watering globes! However, before you go globing” all your plants, let’s discuss if your plants even need or would benefit from an aqua globe.
- First, the hydrophiles. If your plants like to party like fish and need water all the time, watering globes are a lifesaver. These plants include ferns, calatheas, and pitcher plants, as they constantly need moist soil, just like a sponge at a water park.
- On the other hand, if your plants need water once in a blue moon, the aqua globes are not for them. Examples of these plants include Cacti and Snake Plants.
- Next, there are those plants that are just too extra. For example, the fiddle leaf fig trees and bird of paradise plants. The globes just cannot keep up with their thirst.
And here are some more common plants that will do well with a watering globe:
- Calatheas
- Elephant ears
- Ferns
- Ivy
- Orchids
- Peace lily
- Philodendrons
- Pitcher plants
- Pothos
- Spider plants
Best Plant Watering Globes On Market
Now that you know almost everything about plant watering bulbs, let\’s go ahead and look at some of the best aqua globe products on the market. The products on this list have fantastic user reviews and have been thoroughly tested and tried by our team.
1. 3-Pack Plant Waterer Self-Watering Globes
Bird Shape Hand Blown Transparent Mini Durable Clear Glass Aqua Bulbs For Plants.
Key Features
- 1m long tubing
- Adjustable drippers
- Battery-operated timer
- Easy installation
- Saves water and time
Review
If you are tired of constantly watering your plants, and the thought of forgetting to water your plants gives your feelings of neglect and regret, fear not! This magical gadget will revolutionize the way you water your plants. It lets you easily customize your plants\’ watering schedule and needs with one meter of tubing and adjustable drippers.
Furthermore, it has a battery-operated timer. So, you can set it and forget it, freeing up your time for more important things. So, say goodbye to overwatering or forgetting to turn off the watering hose while saving your precious resources, time, and money.
2. FEMITOM Self-Watering Planters
FEMITOM for Indoor Plants & Outdoor Plants – Water Globe, Hand Blown Glass, 3 Pack, Blue.
Key Features
- Set of 3 watering bulbs
- Made of durable plastic
- Suitable for indoor and outdoor plants
- Easy to use and refill
- Self-watering system for up to 2 weeks
- Comes in different colors
Review
Let\’s start by talking about their design. FEMITOM Self-Watering Planters are made of durable plastic. So they will not break if you accidentally drop or knock them over. And even better, they come in a set of three, so you can water multiple plants or pots at once.
Furthermore, you can buy these aquae globes in different colors to match your interior or exterior decor. And here\’s the best part about these planters. These bulbs can last up to 2 weeks once placed! All you have to do is fill them with water, and you are good to go.
3. Terracotta Plant Watering Spikes
Plant Watering Devices 6 Pack – Self Watering Devices for Indoor Outdoor Plants.
Key Features
- Made of high-quality terracotta material
- The self-watering design allows for consistent hydration
- They can be used for indoor or outdoor potted plants
- Comes in a set of 4
Review
We will once again start by talking about their build. The Terracotta Plant Watering Spikes are made of high-quality terracotta material. So, they are durable and long-lasting, and they will look great in any setting. Also, these planters are not limited to just indoor plants.
Furthermore, you can easily set them up, and it is so easy that even a novice plant parent can handle them. With them, you do not need to beg your neighbor to water your plants while you\’re away. Just fill them with water, insert them into the soil, and that is it.
The best part? These planters come in a set of four, so you can cover all your potted plants.
4. Alotm 10Pcs Plant Watering Bulbs
Automatic Self-Watering Globes Plastic Balls Garden Water Device Watering Bulbs for Plant.
Key Features
- Made of durable plastic material
- Comes with an adjustable water flow control valve
- They can be easily attached to any standard water bottle
Review
Do you ever dread returning home from a vacation only to find that your once-beautiful greenery is wilted and sad? Well, fear not! The Alotm Automatic Self-Watering planters are here to save the day (and your plants)! First of all, these are effortless to use.
All you have to do is attach them to a standard water bottle and adjust the water flow valve to your desired setting and plant\’s needs. Then place it in your plant\’s soil, and that\’s it.
The Alotm globes will keep your plants watered, and since they are made of durable plastic, they won\’t crack or break easily. Lastly, they are suitable for indoor and outdoor use.
RELATED: Growing Through Song: How Music Can Affect the Growth of a Plant
5. Evelots Glass Watering Globes
Evelots 2 Pack Plant Self-Watering Glass Globes/Bulbs-Automatic System-Extra long-14 Inches.
Key Features
- Set of four glass watering globes
- Each globe holds up to 10 ounces of water
- Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
- Comes with a metal plant waterer stake for easy insertion
Review
Evelots Glass Watering Globes are made of clear glass. So, unlike the plastic watering bulbs mentioned above, they are practical purpose and add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your plant collection. To put it another way, they are little jewels for your potted plants.
However, looks are not everything, right? Luckily, these globes also provide tons of functionality. Each globe can hold up to 10 ounces of water. This makes them suitable for various plant sizes. And the best part, it comes with a metal plant waterer stake.
So you can easily insert them into your soil without toppling them over.
Verdict | Do Aqua Globes Really Work?
Now, I know what you\’re thinking. ”Do those things actually work?”
Well, I was skeptical, too, at first. However, after using them for over a year, I\’m a watering globe believer. They have kept my plants alive through multiple 2 to 3-week trips. Also, I always use them on some of my thirstier plants. But they are not perfect.
Furthermore, you can even make your own DIY watering globes using empty glass bottles and ceramic watering stakes! They are cheaper, and you also get a larger reservoir.
Lastly, the glass on them is stronger than those fancy glass-blown watering globes.
Thank you for reading our how to use plant watering globes article. Also, check out these:
25 Fantastic Gifts For Gardeners And Plant Lovers
Top 10 Best Humidifier For Plants & A Guide To Humidifying Your Plants
15 Best Plant Propagation Stations That You Can Buy Online Right Now
