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Avoid Mistakes with...
Turn almost any planter into a self-watering container! Discover the secret to lush, thriving plants with our step-by-step tutorial and avoid these 5 common mistakes.
For this design, we are not using cotton or other wicking material since it is prone to rot. Instead, we use a solo cup container filled with dirt to wick up the water.
Water loving and fast-growing plants do tend to do better in self watering pots. For example, I have done well with peace lilies, ferns, and annuals.
Overwatering can still be a problem. If you cannot check the reservoir directly, make sure to test the soil with a moisture meter.
Soil compacts and loses nutrients over time which can cause sludgy, wet soil at the bottom of the pot. I change out the soil about every year or so, sometimes less even.
Roots that are shallow won't be able to pull up the moisture from the reservoir. You can adjust the height of the platform to accommodate.
Plants should not sit in water. You need an overflow hole just below the platform, particularly for outdoor containers.
For more tips and printable instructions to make your own pots, swipe up!