Watering with WicR

Tired of the watering guesswork? Dream of consistently healthy, thriving plants without the weekly drenching routine? Enter the WicR self-watering reservoir – your secret weapon for happy, hydrated houseplants. This ingenious device takes the stress out of watering, but to truly unlock its potential, you need to know the best ways to use it.

Let's dive into how to install the WicR and watch your plants flourish with minimal effort!

1. Choosing the Right Plants and Pots:

While the WicR is versatile, it works best with plants that appreciate consistent moisture and are planted in pots with good drainage. Think of plants like:

• Peace Lilies: Known for their dramatic drooping when thirsty.
• Spider Plants: Enjoy consistent moisture levels.
• Pothos: Relatively adaptable but thrives with even hydration.
• African Violets: Sensitive to overwatering on their leaves, bottom watering with a reservoir is ideal.
• Herbs (like mint and basil): Benefit from consistent moisture, especially in sunny spots.

Ensure your pot has drainage holes at the bottom. The WicR works by allowing the plant to draw up water as needed through the reservoir via a wick in to the soil. *With careful monitoring the WicR will work in containers without drainage holes.

2. Setting Up Your WicR Reservoir:

This is where the magic begins! Here's a general guide, or refer to Full Instructions.

Choose the Right Size: WicR reservoirs come in various sizes. Choose the size that corresponds to your pot's inside base diameter. Keep in mind that our WicR sizes are versatile; a smaller WicR can be used in a larger-based pot (e.g., a 6 1/2" WicR in an 8" pot).

• Prepare the Wicks: All WicR models use wicks to draw water up to the soil. Ensure the wick is properly inserted into the WicR lid and fastened to the reservoir.
• Install reservoir: Now, put the WicR at the very bottom of your plant pot. Let the wicks hang over the sides of the pot for now.
• Start filling your pot with soil. You want to cover the WicR completely, bringing the soil level up to where the bottom of your plant's root ball will eventually sit.
• Plant Introduction: Carefully place your plant into the pot. As you do, gently guide the wicks so they are nestled around the root ball of your plant.
• Final Soil Layer: Continue adding soil around your plant until you reach the ideal fill level for your container.

3. Initial Watering is Key:

Water your plant thoroughly from the top until the soil is evenly moist. This helps establish good contact between the soil and the wick, transporting the water to and from the reservoir.

4. Monitored watering to start:

The frequency of watering will depend on factors like the plant's size, it’s water needs, the ambient temperature, and humidity levels. Get to know your plant and its watering needs with WicR.

5. Adjusting for Different Plant Needs:

Not all plants are created equal when it comes to water. Here's how to adapt your WicR usage:

• Water-Loving Plants: These will likely draw water from the reservoir more quickly, requiring more frequent refills via plant watering.
• Plants that Prefer to Dry Out Slightly: Observe your plant for signs of thirst (slight wilting) before adding more water. WicR can also be setup to have 2 wicks from the reservoir instead of 4. This method is best for plants who like slightly dryer soil. 
• Succulents and Cacti: While some success has been reported, use caution with succulents and cacti. They generally prefer their soil to dry out completely between waterings. A WicR could provide too much moisture. You should consider using the 2 wick method for these plants vs. the standard 4 wick setup.

6. Maintaining Your WicR System:

• Clean the Reservoir: Over time, mineral buildup can occur in the reservoir. When reusing the reservoir, clean it with mild soapy water, rinsing thoroughly before reinstalling.
• Check the Wick: Ensure the wick remains in good condition, clean or replace if needed.

7. Observing Your Plants:

The WicR is a fantastic tool, but it's not a complete substitute for observation. Pay attention to your plant's leaves, stems, and overall appearance. Guide

The Benefits of #WicRgrown:

• Consistent Hydration: Provides your plants with a steady supply of water, reducing the stress of underwatering or overwatering.
• Reduced Watering Frequency: Less time spent on weekly watering chores.
• Healthier Plants: Consistent moisture promotes strong root development and lush growth.
• Ideal for Busy Plant Parents: Perfect for those with busy schedules or who travel frequently.
• Can Prevent Overwatering (when used correctly): Allows the plant to take up water as needed, rather than relying on manual watering schedules.

The WicR self-watering reservoir is a game-changer for plant care. By understanding its designed usage, choosing the right plants, and simple observation, you can harness its “hydro-power” to create a thriving indoor oasis with minimal effort. Happy growing with #WicRgrown