The Best Watering Bulbs

This guide explains all that you need to know before getting a watering bulb:

How Do Watering Bulbs Work?

Aqua globes or watering globes are a round or oval piece of glass especially blown to store water. They are usually colored and are attached to a long glass stem at the bottom. The stem or neck goes into the soil and the bulb gets filled with water. 

It will then release water at a slow pace into the soil without over- or under-watering it. You can go anywhere for about a week without depriving your plants. 

Almost all plant-watering globes have see-through or permeable glass that lets you check the water level from afar and refill it before it gets empty. An average automatic-watering plant bulb can carry around one or two cups of water when completely filled. This is enough for the normal water intake of most indoor plants. 

For succulents, such as a cactus, that don’t need a constant water supply, watering bulbs are not the solution. But this method is ideal for plants that require well-soaked soil throughout the year. 

Overall, watering globes work well. They eliminate the danger of drying out or overly soaking plants. 

How Long Do Watering Bulbs Last?

Generally, an average-sized water bulb will last no more than two weeks. However, many factors can influence how long watering globes last. These factors include the size of the opening at the watering bulb’s stem, soil type, plant type, and the size and design of the glass bulb itself. 

Every plant has a different water-absorption rate, and how you position the globe into the soil has a direct impact on the water absorption. Also, the angle at which you place the bulb inside the soil might change every time you take it out. 

This will change the period the bulb lasts each time. It can get longer or shorter, depending upon the position and angle of insertion. The angle impacts the water flow; the steeper it is, the easier it is for water to flow. 

Smaller plant-watering bulbs last around seven days, whereas the large ones can last about two weeks. The drainage rate depends mainly on the texture of the soil, plant type, and the draining hole size. 

All plants are different. While some plants adjust when they get inundated by water, some react poorly. So, if you have a sensitive plant, using watering globes will be helpful, as they are excellent in keeping the moisture content.

Are Watering Bulbs Good for Plants? Are They Safe?

Watering bulbs are designed to water plants automatically. They are also called "self-watering" globes or bulbs for this reason. They work great not only for plants but also for plant owners. It is a simple, affordable, and genius solution to keep a robust hydration system in place for your plants while you’re busy. 

The best watering globes can soak up your indoor plants for up to two weeks. You can change the placement and angle of the bulb to cater to the specific water needs of your plants. If you’re wondering how watering bulbs work to keep water from draining out all at once, here’s how.

Glass watering globes have a narrow neck or stem at the bottom of the round bulb. This stem goes into the soil around the roots of your plant, and the opening is covered with the soil itself. This soil impedes the passage of water and slows down the incoming rate. 

All that's necesary to use these self-watering globes is to refill the bulb timely and clean it up periodically. 

How To Maintain a Watering Bulb

If you expect that a watering bulb, which has one end in the soil, will need no maintenance, you’re wrong. 

The open end of the bulb will get dirty from the soil and compost in the pot/ground. The key to a long-lasting and perfectly working watering bulb is to keep it clean. You can do so every or every other time you’re replacing water. 

Use warm water to wash the self-watering bulb. You can use a pipe cleaner with some dish cleaner inside the globe. Rub it around and remove all the dirt. Mold and mildew are common for any container that holds water for long periods. Remove any visible and rinse the bulb thoroughly with warm water. 

You don’t have to throw away the watering globe after a single use or if you see mold growing inside. It’s normal and easily washable. Use a mixture of baking soda, lemon juice and dishwasher liquid in the bulb and shake it well. Rinse until there are no more suds.

Conclusion

Watering bulbs give all plant owners some flexibility to travel and occasionally miss a watering for any reason. They are a great way to maintain moist soil for your plants.

Of course, you should still spend time and care for your plants as you normally would. They still need attention and monitoring. Make sure to regularly clean the watering bulb and be mindful of the right insertion angle for the plant and soil type.