Self-watering pots are a type of pot that has a water reservoir built into the pot. The pot slowly waters the plant as needed, so you don’t have to water the plant as often. But are self watering pots good for succulents? This blog post will discuss the pros and cons of self-watering pots for succulents. Stay tuned to learn more.

How Do Self watering Pots Work

how to fill self-watering pots

Self-watering pots are a great way to ensure your plants always have water and never die from a lack of hydration.

The bottom of the pot contains a water reservoir filled with water when the pot is first purchased. The water reservoir empties into a pipe that runs through the center of the pot and out the top. When it’s time for your succulent to be watered, you turn on the faucet in your self-watering pot and watch as the water flows through the pipe and into the reservoir.

Are Self watering Pots Good For Succulents

best plants for self-watering pots

The popularity of succulents has increased in recent years as people discover the beauty of these plants that thrive in dry climates. One of the reasons for this popularity is that succulents are very easy to care for. Most require little or no maintenance other than watering and fertilizing occasionally. However, one common question about succulents is whether self-watering pots are good for them.

Generally speaking, self-watering pots are not recommended for succulents because they can cause the plants to become waterlogged and susceptible to root rot. Succulent plants grown in these pots also often have smaller roots than those grown in traditional potting soil, limiting their ability to take up nutrients and water effectively. To include a succulent in your garden, you should get a plant that does not need a self-watering pot and use a traditional pot instead.

Keep A Few Things In Mind Before Using Self-Watering Pots

There are a few things to remember when using a self-watering pot for succulents.

  • First, make sure the pot has a drainage hole at the bottom.
  • Second, be sure the pot has enough water capacity – usually, it will hold about one quart of water.
  • Third, ensure the soil is wet before putting your succulent inside the pot – otherwise, it will dry out quickly.
  • Finally, wait two hours after filling the pot with water before putting your succulent in so it has time to soak up some of the moisture.

How to Use a Self-Watering Pot for Succulents

How to Use a Self-Watering Pot for Succulents

Here are some tips for using a self-watering pot with succulents:

  • Choose the right pot. A self-watering pot should be large enough to hold the succulent and have a drainage hole in the bottom. Ensure the pot has a secure lid so it doesn’t spill when you’re not using it.
  • Fill the pot with water and set it on a level surface. Place the succulent in the center of the pot and ensure all its roots are submerged in water.
  • Plug in your self-watering pot and wait for it to fill up with water from the drainage hole at the bottom of the pot. Check on your succulent every few hours to ensure it’s getting enough water, and top up as necessary.
  • If you want to stop feeding your succulent, turn off your self-watering pot by unplugging it or removing its plug (depending on how it was connected). Be careful not to splash any water out of the drainage hole when you do this!
  • Clean your self-watering pot once a week by removing any excess water and debris from the drainage hole with a spoon or chopstick.
  • If your succulent starts to lose its leaves, it may need more water. Check the water level in the pot, top-up as necessary, and switch to a new pot if necessary.

Remember to keep your self-watering pot clean so that it stays working properly!

Self-watering Pots prevent Root Rot And Stem Rot

self watering pots for root rot

Succulents don’t like it when their roots get wet or when they are grown in soil that is always wet. It is suggested that the roots of the succulent die, which will kill the plant soon after. The soil can get soggy if you use a soil mix that doesn’t drain well or a pot that doesn’t have enough drainage. If you don’t use a self-watering pot right, the soil can also get too wet.

Start watering the plants from the bottom up in a container that waters itself. The succulent can take as much water as it needs, whenever it needs it, and as much as it wants from the reservoir.

This strategy gives great results in theory and with plants that have reached their fullest potential. I went through the motions of “filling the reservoir” from the bottom up every fourteen days. Not a single case of root rot kept any of my plants alive, let alone made them grow well.

People think that adding water to the soil will kill the roots because the water will seep through the soil and into the plant. But doing that goes against several basic rules of physics. Because the water is stored in a reservoir, the tiny roots of the succulent can use a process called capillary action to soak up the water.

The ground won’t get wet, but the plants growing on it will. And that’s why succulents in the form we just talked about are so popular.

When Self-watering Pots Aren’t Suitable For Succulents

self watering pots for outdoor plants

There are times, though, when these pots won’t be enough. Root compaction happens when we sometimes, just for looks, put a succulent in a pot much bigger than the root ball of the succulent.

Depending on how deep the water reservoir is, the plant may not be able to reach it with its finer end roots. So, the succulents won’t be able to drink the water, and it will just sit there or evaporate.

There’s also a chance that we’ll have to water the plant in a way that requires us to start at the top and work our way down. We usually water the soil too much, which causes the reservoir to fill up and leak, spreading dirt all over the room.

Many plants, especially succulents, need to be watered from the top down, not the bottom up. Because of this, they shouldn’t be grown in containers that water themselves.

Final Judgment On Succulent Self-watering Pots

are self-watering pots good for succulents
Final Judgment On Succulent Self-watering Pots

From what I’ve seen and heard, the introduction of self-watering pots hasn’t made a big difference in the world of succulent gardening. You can use them on your plants. If you do it right, your plants will grow well, and you won’t have to worry about problems like root rot and stem rot.

As long as you give your succulents enough water and use a good potting mix, you should get the same results with any container with a drainage hole. Whether or not you decide to try self-watering pots, I hope this information is helpful, and I wish you the best of luck with your succulents.

Drawbacks Of Using A Self-watering Pot For Succulent

Succulent plants need to be watered frequently, so using a self-watering pot is convenient for some people. However, there are several potential drawbacks to using these pots:

  • Succulent plants are easily damaged if not watered properly; a self-watering pot is difficult to monitor and water adequately.
  • Some succulents dislike being watered constantly, preferring a drip irrigation system.
  • Many succulents require specific soil conditions. If the pot’s drainage is poor, the plant may become wetter than desired and suffer from root rot or other pests.
  • If the pot’s drainage holes are blocked, water will accumulate within it, causing rot or mold growth; this can also happen when dirt or rocks fall into the drainage hole and block it.
  • The self-watering pot may also run out of water before the plant is thirsty, leading to over-watering and root death.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Plants Are Not Suitable For Self-watering Pots?

Plants not suitable for self-watering pots are typically those that require a lot of water, such as tropical plants. If the plant doesn’t get enough water, it will start to wilt and may eventually die. The soil in a self-watering pot retains moisture longer than in regular pots, so it is better suited for plants that don’t need as much water.

Do Self-watering Pots Result in root rot?

Root rot is a fungal infection that can affect the roots of plants, causing them to rot. One potential cause of root rot is exposure to moisture for extended periods. This is a problem for plants in self-watering pots, as the constant moisture can develop root rot. While it is not always the case, using a pot with drainage holes can help reduce plants’ root rot risk.

Do Self-watering Pots Need Gravel?

Self-watering pots work by allowing the plants to draw water up from a reservoir as they need it. The pots typically have a layer of gravel at the bottom to help keep the soil in place and to ensure that the pot can absorb water from the reservoir. If you are using a self-watering pot, you do not need to add gravel to the pot.

What Plants Do Well In Self-watering Pots?

Plants that do well in self-watering pots typically have a low water requirement and can tolerate dry soil conditions. These plants include succulents, cacti, herbs, and flowering plants like African violets. To keep your plants healthy, check the soil moisture level often and water as needed.

How Often Do You Fill Self-watering Pots?

Self-watering pots are designed to water themselves, so they don’t need to be watered as often as traditional pots. The frequency at which you need to water self-watering pots will depend on several factors, including the type of pot and the climate in which you live. In general, however, you’ll only need to water them every three weeks.

Finan Word

Self-watering pots may work for some succulents, but they are not recommended for all. Succulent enthusiasts should research which type of pot works best for their plants before making the purchase. Additionally, care must be taken to never overwater succulents and to provide them with regular waterings to keep them healthy.