EDEN Self Watering pots vs Standard Black Plastic Pots with drainage holes

[Robbie4]

I grow Epiphyllums as a hobby & last year, decided to use the Eden range of Self Watering pots (from Bunnings) for over 15 of my Epiphyllums.

Whilst accepting the concept of Self Watering pots, I have found over the past months, even though I do not over water & use a (Bunnings) "wet/dry" thermometer; in many instances, the plant stems have begun to rot due to "wet soil" accumulated in & aggravated I believe, by the "cross indentation" in the pot base which allow soil to remain continously wet.

I also have plants in Tuscan Self Water Hanging Baskets (from Bunnings) where although they do have an indentation in the middle, this is far smaller than the Eden product. No plant stem rotting occurred to-date. 

So, what is your advice...change over to standard Plastic pots...or...???

[MitchellMc]

Hi @Robbie4,

It would be great if you could share some images of the cross indentation you're referring to. This will help our community members better understand how the design might contribute to soil moisture retention and stem rot.

In general, the concept of self-watering pots is to have an internal raised area that keeps the soil above the water reservoir, allowing plant roots to draw up the water they need. However, if the soil in the base remains consistently wet, it could lead to rot, especially for plants like Epiphyllums that prefer well-draining conditions.

Switching to standard pots with drainage holes might help by eliminating excess moisture retention, but there might also be ways to modify or improve the use of your current self-watering pots. Let us know more details or upload some photos so we can provide targeted advice. 

Also, I just wanted to check that the overflow port is clear and that excess water is being ejected from the reservoir area and not filling up in the pot. Occasionally, these types of pots come with a plug in the overflow, which needs to be removed.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

[Robbie4]

Hullo Mitchell,

Below pho(s) requested.

Please compare from Bunnings stock the respective sizes of the "indentations" & you will see the degree of difference.

I was in contact with "Mr" google on this problem & was advised that Self Watering Pots were fine for plants that required a high degree of moisture BUT, not acceptable for plants aka Epiphyllums?

  

[JacobZ]

Hi @Robbie4,

Can you upload some photos of the underside of the pots?

If the reservoir is acting as intended, your plant roots should not be able to sit sodden. The reservoir will fill to a point before overflowing and draining out the bottom of the pot. 

You can see some circles at the bottom of the cross. Are these holes?

If they are, it could be that they were blocked by the soil in the pot. To prevent this from happening again, you should add drainage gravel to the base of the pot to prevent the holes from being blocked.

If there are plugs in place, remove the plugs and follow the same process of adding drainage gravel. 

If they are not holes, I'd suggest drilling some holes and once again, add drainage gravel to allow for drainage.

Let me know what you think.

Jacob

[Robbie4]

Hullo Jacob,

See photos attached.

I checked an Eden pot to ensure all "drainage" holes were clear then, as a test, poured water into the cross section & found water drained to overflow level; BUT, water was still found in bottom of cross section which should have been dry? Amount of water was approx: 1/4 inch deep.

Have You checked the Eden range in Bunnings as the foregoing can easily be seen by yourself.

I feel the "depth of the Cross moulding is too long" & if shorter, it would reduce or eliminate this situation.

at this [ppoint I found the water in the cross was still some 1/4 inch deep!!!Base of Eden potCross section of potAll holes clearDrainage holes clearWater in base of cross with NO water exit from overflow spoutOverflow spout showing no water exit. Water in bottom of cross...see previous photo