The Self-Watering Planters combines classic design with sub-irrigation technology for a planter that's equal parts form and function. The patented sub-irrigation insert and specially formulated aeration stones allow plants to drink from the roots, just as nature intended. Simply lift the planter to refill the dish below when the reservoir is empty. Watering from below ensures fast growth and healthy plants. It's never been easier to know when and how much to water your plants!

If watering is missed for an extended period and the soil mass gets too dry, it looses its ability to transfer water from the reservoir. The easy fix is to lift and separate your planter from the bottom reservoir and bring it to a sink where you can significantly top-water your plant until water runs strongly through the bottom of the planter. Then, wait a few minutes until no more water runs through and and try watering a small amount again. The soil should absorb the water without letting it run through the bottom. If not, you may need to add more water. After using this re-hydration method, do not fill the reservoir. The plant will need a time to dry out before you're ready to use the reservoir again. Try to be consistent with your watering as extreme drought and flood can stress and weaken plants over time. 

Certain plants that tend towards dryer soil might have difficulty adjusting to sub-irrigation if the reservoir is kept full of water at all times because the Aeration Stones help facilitate the transfer of a small amount of moisture even if the plant's roots aren't drinking. This is usually a seasonal issue in fall and winter when plants aren't receiving enough light to process water. If you notice this becoming a problem, simply give the plant time to "dry out" between refilling the reservoir, usually for a period of 5-7 days. We've noticed this can be an issue for the following plant families and recommend dry out periods in fall and winter months. 
Thaumatophyllum
Alocasia

In our experience, mostly yes. The vast majority of tropical plant species prefer consistent levels of moisture in the soil and access to a water reservoir so that they have control over the rate of transpiration. Even plants with shallow root systems like cacti and succulents can be very successful in our self watering planter as long as they are receiving adequate light. Our patented insert in combination with aerations stones offer excellent root aeration while also drawing water up into the lower soil layer which mimics natural environmental conditions, even in desert landscapes. 

Sub-irrigation can encourage big spurts of healthy root and foliar growth, and if you notice your reservoir is becoming crowded with roots you may want to do some pruning. When trimming plant roots, never remove more than 1/3 of the root mass at any one time. Also be sure to focus on the thread roots, not the major tap root which often will appear as the thickest root of the plant.

Repotting your plant once the roots have grown through the sub-irrigation insert can seem daunting, but fear not, it is actually quite simple. In fact, you may not need to remove the roots from the insert at all. Place the planter on its side in your hand and gently grab the base of the plant. Pull gently to remove the plant from the vessel. If the roots have not significantly grown through the sub irrigation insert you can gently pull the insert away from the plant and put is aside. If the root system has thoroughly grown through insert, you can simply repot the plant with the insert included! The roots will continue to envelop the insert and it will not obstruct its growth over time. As in nature, when roots interact with obstructions such as stones or other masses, the roots will grow around to reach the water source and continue to thrive.