My plant is not getting enough water

Q: I've had my Plant Straw installed for about a month now, but I'm afraid my plant is not getting enough water. The leaves are looking crispy... What should I do?

A: Let's address your questions step by step:

Crispy or yellow leaves can be a warning sign that something might be wrong. To troubleshoot, try watering your plant from the top. If it perks up and improves, it means your assumption is correct, and it's not receiving enough water from the Plant Straw.

Here's what you can do to resolve the issue:

  • Reinstall the Plant Straw, ensuring that you use a longer length of cord in the soil this time.
  • Before reinstalling, make sure the entire cord is moist and squeezed out.
  • Water your plant thoroughly after reinstalling the Plant Straw.
  • Keep an eye on your setup and repeat these steps if necessary.

It's also important to note that there is a natural limit to how much water the Plant Straw can provide. In some cases, you might want to water your plants with a larger amount of water from the top on a regular basis, such as once a month, and then supplement it with fertilizer. This approach will maintain a natural routine where you check in with your plants, and it aligns with the recommendations of most fertilizer brands. Additionally, using plastic or glazed pots can help retain more moisture than terracotta pots, making them more suitable for thirsty plants.

If top watering doesn't improve the plant's condition, remove the Plant Straw and consider other factors. Has the plant been moved to a sunny spot? Are the seasons changing? Also, check for root rot to ensure the plant is not overwatered.