Does anyone use this? I have ceramic self watering containers, but I thought this looked interesting.
Optimara Watermaid
re they the ones at HD?
No - I saw them on a couple of websites...
Here is a close up
How does that work, for those of us unable to discern the method from the photo?
This is what the websites explains...
Optimara Watermaid
The Optimara Watermaid works on the same principle of the capillary matting used by amateurs and professional growers throughout the world. Its simple design and reasonable price makes this one of the best self-watering systems on the market today. Accommodates one plant by itself
Another sites says...
This is an economical way to self water your plants. The Watermaid has been proven over the years for plant lovers who want to grow house plants, but don't always have time to care for them. The Watermaid contains an absorbent matting to draw water from the saucer into the soil, allowing plants to use only as much water as they need.
I remembered seeing something that looked like this, so I went hunting through the old threads. I wonder if this is something like the membrane watering system Chris_Moran was describing in this old thread, http://davesgarden.com/forums/t/520396/ ??
Or it could just be regular capillary matting applied to a single saucer...
I think the Rob's site talks about using old towels as capillary matting, and I've done this a few times with terry bar mops folded to fit into window box "saucers" (which fit on my wall shelf)... I can leave 1/4 inch of water in the tray, and the toweling holds the pots up high enough that they're not sitting in a puddle but still wicks the water to them.
It's interesting - probably increases humidity too
Has amyone tried using these yet ? And for what length of time did you you them. ? Did they work well for you ?
No, but I have seen them on the web, too. They look interesting.
I haven't. I know they say they are a reasonable price. But that would be if you had only one violet. for me glad ware containers work well for those that are not on the grid or are in "show" places in the house. I have some of the little wells for the minis by Optimara. I like them.