Family Plot

Building a Self-Watering Houseplant Pot

Most houseplants like even moisture, but it can be hard to maintain the right amount of moisture. Dixon Gallery and Gardens Volunteer Coordinator Tonya Ashworth shows how to build a pot that will keep your houseplants watered for up to two weeks and shows when it needs more water.

The system works by using another larger pot as a reservoir for the water, and capillary mat fabric to wick the water up to the plant. Tonya also shows how to build a water level indicator and then hide the system with Spanish moss.

Related Video:
Repotting Houseplants

Related Resource:
Self-Watering Containers

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Viewer Questions

How much light does Palisade zoysia need and when is the best time to lay sod?

Palisade zoysia needs 4-5 hours a day of sunlight to thrive. Tonya Ashworth says you can lay warm-season sod any time of the year, but if it is hot or dry you will need to water frequently until it is established. >>Watch

Are there flowers or vegetables I can grow on a balcony?

It all depends on how much light you get, in this case about 3-4 hours. Vegetables and most flowers require six or more hours of sun per day. Tonya Ashworth gives some options for flowers and plants you can grow on a balcony with limited sun. >>Watch

Why do my gardenia leaves have yellow spots?

This is probably Rhizoctonia which is caused by wet conditions and poor air circulation. Tonya Ashworth says gardenias do not like wet soil. They need to be well-drained. This particular plant is up against a wall so it could also not get much air circulation. >>Watch

What type of post-emergent herbicide should I use on Bermuda?

This depends on what weeds you have. Chris Cooper talks about the active ingredients in herbicides that target broadleaf weeds, sedges, and grasses. Dixon Gallery and Gardens Volunteer Coordinator Tonya Ashworth shows how to identify the kind of weed you have. >>Watch

How do I keep the limbs of my Japanese maples from dying?

The dying limbs are probably a result of environmental conditions. Dixon Gallery and Gardens Volunteer Coordinator Tonya Ashworth outlines some of the causes of this problem. >>Watch