Watering globes, watering bulbs, or aqua globes are different names for the one watering device. Water bulbs for plants look like glass bulbs with long narrow necks, and they are used for watering houseplants. If you have not heard of this alternative to watering earlier or doubt whether to use it — read our article. We talk about all the features and pros and cons of watering globes.
What is water globe used for?
It is convenient to use a watering bulb for plants when you leave home for a long time, and your green pets are alone. However, this is also a good tool to optimize your time and spend less effort on plant care. Self-watering globes are usually made of colored glass. You need to fill the ball with water and stick the "leg" of the device closer to the stem into the soil. How often the water will drop into the soil depends on the angle at which you insert the handle.
So how do watering globes work? The principle is straightforward: when the potting mix of your plant dries out, the watering globe receives oxygen from it. It releases a certain volume of water that goes into the soil.
What Are The Advantages Of Watering Globes?
If you take precautions and use plant watering globes correctly, they will have many benefits for you:
- low price — ordinary watering globes cost a bit. Also, they are not so hard to find in stores;
- reusable — you can use water globes for plants a lot, just once in a while cleaning it;
- easy to use — you just pour the water in the ball and insert it into the ground;
- self-watering globes soften the water absorbed by the plant;
- can be used for plants that like moist soil, usually do you can not worry about watering;
- excellent as a backup watering option in case of an extended vacation;
- you can choose a ball that will fit aesthetically into the design of your home.
Are There Any Disadvantages?
Of course, any tool can be harmful under the wrong conditions of use. Here are the potential dangers of watering globes:
- if you insert a ball into a plant that does not like constantly moist soil, its roots will rot;
- self-watering globes can usually be in use for no longer than 2 weeks, note that the soil and the plant do not absorb water faster. Hence, you must check them before leaving the plant alone;
- watering bulbs are pretty heavy, so they can tip pots with small plants;
- it is vital to clean the globes periodically, which is quite tricky — you need specific accessories that can crawl through a small hole;
- glass water globes might be dangerous if you have pets or children as they can break them and get injured by a stake at incorrect use.
What Are The Alternatives To Watering Globes?
Plant watering globes is not the only way to make the plants water on their own. If, for some reason, watering bulbs don't suit your needs, you can try something else. Here are the alternatives:
- DIY-balls for watering from glass and plastic bottles or even lamps. They are free, but you need to make them by yourself (don't worry, it's actually easy) and check if they work correctly.
- You can create a drip irrigation system on your own using gauze or a wick that will transfer moisture from a vessel filled with water. It will take effort to create this system, and then all the plants must be in one place in the apartment, or you will need to organize several such systems.
- Self-watering pots. There is a danger of overwatering for plants that do not need constantly moist soil. But if you are an owner of water-loving greenery, it might be one of the best choices.
- Electronic irrigation systems. This is a relatively expensive option, compared with the other ones. It will come in handy if you regularly leave your plants alone for a long time.
FAQ
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How do you fill a water globe?
How to use watering globes: to fill the watering globe with water, simply take the bulb in your hands and fill it through the leg by about two-thirds of the entire ball. It is essential to make a hole in the ground before inserting the ball so that the soil does not get stuck in the device.
How long does a water globe last?
The speed at which the watering bulb releases all the water depends on the type of soil, angle of the leg, room temperature, and other factors. But it will be enough for approximately 1-2 weeks. For larger plants that love moisture, you can insert several balls.
Do water globes work for succulents?
Succulents do not require daily watering and usually do not like moisture, so this method is unsuitable in their case. Water globes work for plants that like moist soil, and succulents, on the contrary, can live a long time without water at all. Don't be afraid to leave your succulents without water at all if you're going on vacation as overwatering is a bigger stress for them than a periodic drought.
Do self-watering globes cause root rot?
It depends on the plant you are going to water with self-watering globes. If the species needs breaks between waterings, the bulbs can cause rot when the soil should dry out. This is important, so do not overdo watering - if you are leaving the plants for a short time, it is better not to insert the ball at all.
So, we have told you the basics about watering globes, their disadvantages, and advantages. But remember that they can't replace full watering and care — the plants always want your attention!
