Frequently Asked Questions
Curious about how Plant Straws work? Let’s dive in!
I’ve compiled some of the most common questions about how to use Plant Straws, why they’re helpful, and when to use them.
🌱 This section is always growing! If you don’t see your question here, feel free to click the chat bubble at the bottom of the page – I’m happy to help.
Before setup
How to use Plantstraws?
How to use Plant Straws?
How to use Plant Straws?
Q: How do I install the Plant Straw? 👀
A: Glad you asked! It’s easier than you might think. The simplest way is to lift the plant out of its pot to place the wick under the roots. Follow these steps:
- Wet the wick before you begin – this is essential to ensure water flows from the vase to the plant.
- Gently lift your plant out of its pot and circle the moist wick at the pot’s base or loosely around the roots.
- Place your plant back into its pot, ensuring the metal tube is at least 3 cm/1 in into the soil.
- Insert the other end of the Plant Straw into a water-filled container and water your plant thoroughly.
- After installation, gradually adjust your watering routine over time, especially for delicate plants.
Helpful Tips:
- Adjust moisture levels by changing how much of the wick is in the soil. More wick = more moisture. This makes Plant Straws flexible for different stages of growth, from little sprouts to thriving ferns.
- Plant Straws help keep soil evenly moist – ideal for plants that like consistently moist conditions, such as rainforest and swamp natives.
- Refill and change the water regularly, and give your plants a thorough watering with liquid fertilizer about once a month.
- Wash, trim, or replace the wick as needed. Use a nylon line to guide a new wick through the straw.
- Plant Straws are designed for multiple setups. Use either end depending on the size of your pot and container for the perfect fit.
Can I use Plant Straws for all my plants?
Can I use them for all my plants?
Q: Can Plant Straws work with any plant?
A: Plant Straws work best for plants that like consistently moist soil, such as rainforest and swamp natives. They’re not ideal for plants that prefer to cycle between wet and dry soil, like cacti and succulents.
How long can I leave my houseplants?
How long can I leave my houseplants?
Q: I’ll be gone for four weeks – will Plant Straws keep my plants alive?
A: Yes, with Plant Straws installed, you can leave your plants for a good while! The larger the water container, the longer you can leave them. However, plants also need light and nutrients to thrive. Consider a slow-release fertilizer for extended trips.
Prepare Your Vacation Watering
- Plan ahead: Install the Plant Straw well before your trip to gradually adjust your plant’s watering routine. Adjust the wick length or switch to a larger container if needed.
- Minimize evaporation: Use a vase with a narrow opening to help the water last longer.
- Fertilize carefully: After a long trip, deep water your plants with clean water before applying liquid fertilizer to avoid burning the roots.
How to fertilize self-watering plants?
How to Fertilize When Using Plant Straws?
Q: Can I add fertilizer to the water container?
A: We don’t recommend it. Liquid fertilizers aren’t designed to be given in small amounts over time, and exposure to light can cause bacteria and germs to build up in the vase.
Instead, try this:
- Flush the soil with clean water until it drains out. This helps prevent root burn.
- Let the plant drip dry, then apply your fertilizer as directed (typically 1–2 times per month).
- For a longer-term solution, mix a slow-release fertilizer into the soil.
You don’t need to remove the Plant Straws from the soil to fertilize your plants.
How to style Plant Straws?
What kind of container can I use?
Q: Where do you get the glass vases?
A: Here are some of my favorite sources:
- Wine bottles – a great way to reuse memories from dinners with friends.
- Second-hand stores – so many beautiful objects waiting to be rediscovered.
- Local artisans – supporting small businesses is wonderful, and collaborating with a glass artist is one of my dreams!
- My photos – I often use vases you can find directly here in my shop.
I accidentally pulled the wick out!
I accidentally pulled the wick out!
Q: I pulled the wick too far, and now one end is stuck inside the straw. Help!
A: No worries! Simply pull the wick out completely and use a nylon line to guide it back through the straw.
If you have one of our Replacement Wick kits, it includes a nylon line to make this process quick and easy. Let us know if you need assistance!
Is it necessary to change the wick?
Q: When should I replace the wick?
A: You need to replace the wick if you notice changes in your plant’s health or when repotting.
It’s also important to change the water regularly to prevent build-up in the vase and keep your plants thriving.
If a wick becomes moldy, it’s usually due to high humidity or stagnant water. Mold can sometimes grow in these conditions but can be resolved by:
- Cleaning the Wick: Soak it in a solution of water and mild dish soap, or use a diluted vinegar solution to remove any residue. You can also rinse the wick under running water, or machine wash using a program for colored cotton.
- Preventing Mold: Ensure that the water is clean by replacing it regularly.
Mold typically won’t harm the plant, but keeping the water clean ensures optimal flow, plant health and clean looks.
Can I install Plant Straws without repotting?
Can I Avoid Repotting?
Q: I’d rather not lift my plant out of its pot – is there another way?
A: Yes! You can use a skewer, chopstick, or similar tool to gently push the moist wick down into the soil from the top.
Take care not to disturb the roots too much while ensuring the wick reaches as deep into the soil as possible for optimal watering.
Troubleshooting
How to adjust your Plantstraws?
My plant looks thirsty or isn’t getting enough water
Q: My plant’s leaves are crispy, or it looks droopy even though the Plant Straw is installed. What should I do?
A: If your plant appears thirsty, follow these steps to troubleshoot and resolve the issue:
- Top water your plant. If it perks up afterward, it confirms the Plant Straw isn’t providing enough water.
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Reinstall the Plant Straw:
- Use a longer length of wick in the soil to increase water uptake.
- Ensure the wick is moist but not dripping wet before reinstalling.
- Monitor and adjust: Gradually space out your watering routine as the plant adjusts. Top water regularly after installing, to give the roots time to settle and find the wick.
Tips for Better Results
- Observe your plant’s health: Healthy leaves are the best indicator that your plant is getting enough water, rather than relying solely on the vase water level.
- Top layer dryness is normal: Like other bottom-watering methods, the topsoil may dry out while the roots stay hydrated.
- Supplement as needed: The wick has a natural limit to how much water it can deliver. For larger plants, additional top-watering may be required more frequently than the recommended monthly schedule. Remember to fertilize regularly to keep your plant healthy and thriving.
- Choose the right pot: Plastic or glazed pots retain moisture better than terracotta, making them more suitable for plants that thrive in consistently moist soil.
The water reservoir emptied overnight!
Q: The vase drained quickly, and now the soil is soggy. What happened?
A: This sounds like a siphoning issue, which happens when two things go wrong at the same time:
- The wick was too wet, with no air pockets left.
- The water level in the vase was higher than the straw’s end.
Solution:
- Remove the Plant Straw and let the soil dry out.
- Squeeze the wick so it’s moist but not dripping wet, then reinstall.
- To avoid future issues, lower the water level slightly to stay on the safe side.
Is my plant dead? ☠️
Q: I think my plant is dead – what did I do wrong?
A: I’m so sorry to hear that! Taking care of plants can be a learning process, and even experienced plant parents go through some trial and error.
In our experience - Understanding a plant’s natural habitat is often the key to meeting its needs. For example:
- Rainforest plants thrive with consistently moist soil, indirect light, and high humidity.
- Desert plants prefer dry soil, bright light, and fluctuating temperatures.
Think about how you cared for your plant and how that might align with its natural environment. This reflection can provide helpful insights for your future plant care journey.
I forgot to wet the wick before setup!
Q: I didn’t wet the wick – will it work?
A: Unfortunately, it’ll take much longer for the wick to absorb water and start working properly. We recommend removing it, wetting the wick, and reinstalling.
Alternatively, you can deep water your plant a few times over the next week and then gradually adjust your watering routine.