Watering Globes For Plants

Author: Eugeniu V.

Published on 18.08.2022

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Watering globes are unusual gadgets that have gained popularity recently. They are tools that can provide hydration to your plants. Typically, they can keep plants moist for up to two weeks. It is very low maintenance and you will have to do pretty much nothing.  The use of the watering globes can be very beneficial for you and for your plants.


Sometimes we have to leave our plants for a specific amount of time. Instead of worrying about them, the gardeners recommend using watering globes. However, does it really work? Is it as beneficial as some states? Well, let’s explore this tool and find out more about it.


What Are Watering Globes? 

Watering globes are spheres made typically from either glass. However, they can also be made from metal or plastic. At the bottom, they are joined to a tall glass stem and are typically colored. The bulb is filled with water once the stem or neck is buried in the ground.


The water that is collected in the sphere is slowly released into the soil. The frequency of water coming out is perfect so the under and overwatering won’t happen. The glass is transparent. This enables you to see the water level from a distance and replace it before it runs out. When fully filled, an ordinary automated plant watering bulb may hold one or two glasses of water. This is adequate for the majority of indoor plants' typical water needs.


Before using the watering globes, carefully check the plant’s water requirement again. Watering globes don't work for succulents. Succulents like cactuses do not require a constant water supply.   For plants that need moist soil throughout the year, this approach is appropriate. Overall, watering globes are effective. They take away the risk of drying out or over-watering your plants.

How Long Will The Watering Globes Provide Hydration

In most cases, a water bulb of ordinary size will run out of water in two weeks. The lifespan of water globes, however, depends on a variety of conditions. The soil type, plant species, plant kind. Another is the size of the aperture on the neck or stem of the watering globe. If the soil is dry, it can empty out the watering bulb even just in a day. Or if the tip of the tool is not placed in the soil correctly, the water can flow out of it faster.


Each plant absorbs water at a different pace. The amount of water a plant will absorb will directly depend on how the globe is positioned in the soil. Each time you remove the bulb from the dirt, you might need to adjust the angle to correctly put it back.



How Do Watering Globes Work? 

When the water comes from the stem, a vacuum is created in the bulb. The vacuum then slows down the water flow. After the soil gets dried, the air will start to go inside the bulb and as a result. The vacuum will be released and water will start to sprinkle out again. So, the globe constantly gives water to the plant, but not so much to overwater.

Use Of Watering Globes

  • A brand-new watering globe will require minimal setup right out of the box. In order to get rid of any possible dust or debris within cleaned the globe. Wash it thoroughly.  Half-fill it with water, give it a good stir, then drain it out. 
  • Next thing is to test the globe. For this fill the ¾ of the bulb with water. The water can be poured from the slender opening. 
  • Water your plant well. This way, when you put the globe in the dirt, it will not drain quickly. Make a small hole in the dirt either with a stick or pencil. Flip over the bulb and very carefully put it in the hole.


Plants That Enjoy Watering Globes

As previously indicated, many plants like to stay hydrated. These plants normally like a constant supply of water, and if their soil becomes too dry, they can soon wilt. Watering globes may be useful with these plants to maintain moisture in the soil. Self-watering globes are often only suggested for indoor plants. It is because of their fragility, that you should avoid using them for outdoor plants.


Plants that enjoy the watering globes are often found in our indoor collections. The list includes Calathea, Pothos, peace lily, and ferns. Also, as philodendron, orchids, elephant ears, and Spider plants. Those plants thrive in conditions of high soil moisture and relative humidity. Self-watering globes assist in supplying moisture. Hydration is an essential part needed for the growth and development of plants.

Tips for Watering Globes Usage:

  • It's time to clean if your globe starts to look foggy. It may be cleaned with dish soap, warm water, baking soda, and lemon juice.
  • Make sure not to put the plant with the watering globe in full sun. the constant moisture and warm temperature can cause bacteria and algae to grow.
  • Every plant absorbs water at a different pace. The placement of the globe in the soil directly affects how much water is absorbed. Every time you remove the bulb out of the soil, you make sure to return it at the correct angle.
  • By poking a hole with your finger, you can lessen the chance of soil being stuck within the water globe's stem. Directly pushing the globe runs the risk of breaking the glass bulb and hurting your hands.


Bottom Line

Watering globes offer help in plant care and also are beautiful decorations. However, before getting them, you will have to consider several things. The important factors are soil type, plant type, and climate. Therefore, even though it is marketed so, it may not last up to two weeks and can drain quickly. They require constant cleaning too. Watering globes can be a good short-term alternative to scheduled watering. You can put them when going out of town, for example. However, nothing compares to the feeling when we care for our plants.