How frequently refill self-watering reservoirs?
Written by
Kiana Okafor
Reviewed by
Prof. Charles Hartman, Ph.D.When to refill the self-watering reservoirs depends on the individual plants and the environment where they are located. There are no universal times for all situations. A good knowledge of these various factors will prevent your reservoirs from running out of water prematurely while you are on vacation. Knowing this in advance will ensure your plants stay watered throughout your entire journey.
Plant Water Requirements
- Large leafy plants consume water faster than small succulents
- Flowering species need 30% more water than foliage plants
- Mature plants drink significantly more than newly potted ones
Environmental Conditions
- Temperatures above 80°F (27°C) increase consumption 40-50%
- Low humidity below 40% accelerates evaporation rates
- Direct sunlight doubles water needs compared to shaded spots
Reservoir Capacity
- Small 1-liter bottles last 7-10 days for single plants
- 5-gallon (19L) tanks sustain multiple plants for 3+ weeks
- Measure capacity precisely before calculating refill needs
System Efficiency
- Wick systems lose 15% to evaporation in dry climates
- Covered reservoirs reduce evaporation by 70%
- Sealed pressure bottles maintain efficiency longest
Find exact refill needs with this simple formula. Plant Count x Use per Day x Vacation Days + 30% Extra. Example: Three basil plants (0.5 cups per day) for two weeks need 3x0.5x14 = 21 cups plus 6.3 cups of extra. Round up to nearest gallon.
Testing Before Your Trip saves you unwanted surprises, track water usage for 72 hours before departure. You can determine water usage habits by using containers marked for this purpose. Adjust for the weather. Real data will help you plan water practices directly for your plants.
Efficiency boosters can greatly increase reservoir duration. Utilize floating covers to prevent evaporation, and place reservoirs in shady, cooler areas. Integrate water-absorbing polymer crystals into soil. These methods could increase water use by 30-40%.
Read the full article: 5 Self Watering Systems That Keep Plants Alive
