Watering globes have an airtight bulb on top with an extended hollow stem below. This bulb is filled with water and inserted, bulb end up, into the growth medium of the houseplant to be watered.  Once the globe is inserted, the release of water from the globe depends on the admission of air into the globe, allowing the release of a limited quantity of water into the plant growth medium for each admission of air. 

     There is are some common problems, though.  Because a porous growth medium allows water to flow quickly away from the tip of the globe, air is quickly admitted into the globe. This leads to a faster than desired release of water into the pot, often resulting in over watering and quick emptying of the globe. 

     Another problem is that a denser planting medium can clog the opening of the globe stem, leading to failure to release enough water, drying and possibly losing the plant. 

     Another drawback of this device is the lack of stability of the filled globe itself.  The narrow stem is inserted into the growing medium which is moistened then must support the filled globe above.  The result is often sagging to one side.  The good news is that these (and several other) problems with automatic watering of house plants have now been overcome.

     The Vergrowth approach uses a passive system having no moving parts, requiring no power and having stability and consistency because the water transfer is by wicking action from a reservoir above the top surface of the growth medium for automatic watering of houseplants. The picture on the upper left shows a closeup of a hydrator with wicks installed and a globe inserted.  What can't be seen is the extension from the bottom of the hydrator into the planting medium to stabilize the hydrator and reservoir. When used with a watering globe, it provides a reliable, convenient and cost effective solution to the problem of automatic watering of houseplants.

     In addition to the watering globe, other types of reservoirs can be used with the hydrators.  These can have different designs (which can enhance the aesthetics of your plants) or larger capacities (to provide longer unattended watering). The reservoir is easily removed without removing the hydrator.  The wicks are unobtrusive and mostly hidden. Using this system for automatic watering of house plants allows quick conversion of your house plants to an attractive conversation piece. The picture on the lower left shows an Anthurium with a different reservoir in place and the one on the lower right shows it with the reservoir removed.

     For more information about the product, their advantages use, or to order, click the following links: Home, Operation, Succulents, Shop, Hydrator Product Page, Contact, FAQ, Installation, Terns and Conditions, Support.