Our ceramic watering spikes are made from a premium white earthenware clay, which is designed to be permeable; meaning they have tiny pores or openings throughout its structure. These pores allow water to move through the ceramic and into the surrounding soil. The flow of water is dependent on soil moisture tension.
Simply insert the ceramic spike into the soil near the base of your plant and add water. As the soil dries out it creates a vacuum effect that draws water out of the ceramic spike, which moistens the surrounding soil and provides water for plant roots. This process is similar to osmosis, as the ceramic spike continues to release water until the moisture levels in the soil and the ceramic material reach equilibrium.
Watering Spikes may or may not replace the need for regular waterings. It depends on the plants' hydration needs, the type of soil, the size of the spike and the amount of light the plant receives. Some plants like Cactus or Succulents, may be content with just the water provided with an appropriate sized spike. However thirsty plants like Pothos, Calathea or Ferns can benefit from having a watering spike to help provide supplemental water and ensure they get the consistent moisture they crave. These plants will still need a regular watering roughly to ensure their hydration needs are met. Nocking your watering schedule down to just once a week can be a lifesaver! House plants that prefer to have the soil dry completely between waterings may not appreciate a watering spike.
Popular houseplants like Peace Lilies, African Violets, and Snake Plants are well-suited for an elevated level or watering spike, the self watering pot. These plants benefit from a stable amount of water. Self watering pots use the same simple irrigation principle, but have a much larger surface area to provide hydration directly to the roots and reduces the risk of issues like leaf drop or wilting from irregular watering. It also prevents root rot with excess water.
Cute plants on top of a tall bookshelf or high up on a ledge can be a challenge to keep hydrated. Especially those beautiful but dramatic tropical and moisture loving plants like fern, monstera, philodendron and pothos that would love to be watered multiple times a week!
Spend less time watering and more time enjoying your precious plant friends by using our beautifully hand painted and durably glazed watering spikes to passively water your plants beneath the soil for up to a week.