Self-watering pots

Has anyone used the self watering pots from Lowes?
Sharon

I don't really use self watering pots. I always have a hard time keeping them from being too wet!
This is just my experience though :)
Wish I could have been more helpful.

That's what I was worried about. I may get one and just put some potting mix in and see how wet it stays.
Thanks,
Sharon

My suggestion is.....make the soils as light as you possibly can :)

which ones are you referring to? If you a speaking of ceramic ones, then yes, I use them and love them!

I bought a bunch in the begining . I don't plant in them. I just sit wicked plastic pot in them. I do use very light soil-less mix.
Most of the two piece plants are too large for my plants as I enjoy mini/semis the best :))

I found they work well (the 4" ones) for the plants until they get larger and then they don't seem to do as well. I have one of the large ones that does work pretty good. I really like the clay pots best because if you get a little too much water on one it will dry soon.

I use them, not from Lowes, but HD. They are made by NorCal. I also got some from Wally. Here's a shot of a group of them.

The one's that are at 8 o'clock and 2 o'clock are the NorCal pots. The front white one was $0.50 from a thrift store. And the purple one from wally world, last week, they were like $5.

For me, the secret is using a VERY light perlite mix. Like 60-70% the last one I potted up, I also added a layer of perlite to the bottom of the pot.

I don't fill them very high either, just so the bottom of the insert is 1/2" or so in the water. Until the plants root out a bit, I use a water meter to check the moisture level. They always look bone dry on top, but stick the meter to the bottom and it reads wet.

Here's a better shot of the NorCal (i love this pottery company because they have great glaze colors like my favorite GREEN!)

They are pretty - I haven't seen that brand. I've seen a bunch on ebay, plus I had made a bunch when I used to go to ceramics.

I saw ceramic ones at Lowes for around $7, and also saw some at Wallyworld for around $5. I really liked the glaze on the ones at Lowes, so I think I'm going to give them a try.

BC - your plants are beautiful!

Thanks for all the info

Sharon

Begonia's tips on lightening the potting mix and not filling the reservoirs too full are right on the mark! I like the self watering pots, and most of my AVs like them also, although there are a few varieties that just sulk in the extra moisture. It also helps to let the pot go dry for a week every so often... but be aware that if the soil mix gets very dry, it could pull away from the inner surface of the pot a little, making it necessary to add a little water to the top of the pot to get the wicking action going again.

FWIW - I am enjoying my Dandy Pots. Got them for $2 each, but they usually cost more. I have a hard time finding something cute to put minis and semiminis in and they are doing really well in these. Here's a picture.

Beautiful plant HP :))

Beautiful HP

Thanks, this is Macho Devil. It is the first named AV I wanted. It has been a little slower growing than some of my others, but still really pretty. These will be the first blooms. : )

One thing about the Dandy pots, if you bump them by mistake, they tip over easily. : (

Sorry,if this has been asked before-
hadfieldp,where did you get your lovely Dandy pots?

Well, I am having trouble getting on the board. Anyone else having trouble? I got them on EBAY. They are usually about $5 each for the small ones. I like the way they look and the wick watering seems to be just the right amount. Plus you get a small amount of evaporation which helps with humidity. The air in my house is really dry. I think you can google it and find some. Here a several of mine.

Thank you for the information & the picture.
I love your set-up-very pretty.

Pam your set up is wonderful ! Your plants are Stunning :)) Thanks for sharing them I really enjoy your pictures. Allison

Thanks, what a compliment!!!!!!!! I still have yours on the other side of the kitchen (isolating for a little while longer) They are on a little wrought iron shelf in front of a window. Doing very well. : ) I can't wait to see the trailers once they are bigger!!!!

It is strange actually being able to grow something after all these years. : ) Christmas - you might also check out Oyama pots. I like them, too. But the only thing my plants don't like are pots that are too big. I took the last two violets I had from Bluebird and potten them in smaller pots. They were just sitting there, not growing, not blooming.....so, we'll see how that goes. My albosia is doing well, too. How long does that have to grow until it blooms? Does the long stem produce the flower? Violet Treasure????

I think in the Sticky I wrote about growing Cygnet. You would not believe I have dozens of them tiny ones even in solo cups blooming everyday just in a greenhouse no room under lights. :(( Ever my big plant
about 5 feet maybe more from window blooming. It like more moist , food yes ! lot's of light should bloom anytime. Let me see if it is in our sticky.

Pam I bumped it up plus it's in Sticky and I had to add pictures to the bottom :))
http://davesgarden.com/forums/t/556129/

Thanks!! Pam

Pam,thanks for the information.
Do you have a picture of your wrought iron shelf in your window-sounds like that is something I need to do.