How to Use Self Watering Bulbs?
Handy Tips on How to Use Self Watering Bulbs
Have you ever wondered whether those pretty glass self watering globes really work? The manufacturers claim that they will keep your pot plants watered for as long as two weeks. If you’re planting some indoor flowering bulbs such as fragrant Paperwhite narcissi and are wondering whether they will have enough water while you’re away on a trip, self watering globes are a good way of providing them with enough moisture.
What Are Self Watering Bulbs?
Self watering bulbs are globes of blown glass with long thin necks or spikes; they’re often tinted in pretty colors and can make an attractive decorative feature. The globe is filled with water and the neck is stuck into the soil, where it releases the water steadily to supply your plants. How long the water lasts depends on the size of the globe.
How Do Self Watering Bulbs Work?
Fill the globe with water and invert it, then insert the neck into the soil. Two factors slow down the rate at which the water can escape. Firstly, the presence of the soil at the mouth of the spike will slow the water down and secondly, as it trickles out, a weak vacuum is created within the globe, stopping more water from escaping. As the soil gradually dries out, air can enter once again and so more water is released.
How to Clean Self Watering Bulbs
The neck or spike can get clogged up with soil - use a narrow pipe cleaner to clean it. If mold grows inside the globe, clean with baking soda and lemon juice, shake it about to create a scrubbing effect, then rinse well.
Whether you’re planting a pot of hyacinth, daffodils or jumbo amaryllis, self watering globes are a good solution to the problem of watering, keeping the soil moist for one or two weeks while you're away.