How do I install/use the plant watering system?

Detailed instructions are found under the Installation and Operation tabs, linked at left and at the top of this page.
     What if the water does not flow into the growth medium or it flows too slowly?

Assuming that the wicks are properly installed (see the "Installation" tab above) and that the reservoir contains sufficient water, the problem may be wicks that are hydrophobic (are not wet readily) or an overly dry medium. If there is not good contact between the wicks and a medium that is at least modestly moist, then water may not transfer efficiently between the wicks and the medium. To correct the problem, add a little water to the medium around the location of the wicks. Another approach would be to remove the reservoir, add a few drops of dish detergent to the hydrator and replace the reservoir. You should soon see the watering rate increase (watch for bubbles rising in the reservoir). To avoid this problem, dip the wicks in soapy water before installing them. Also, on rare occasions, the wicks can bunch up in the bottom of the hydrator and partially block the outlet of the reservoir. To address this, lift the reservoir slightly and pull upward on each of the wicks individually to straighten out any kinks. Then bury the portion of the wicks that were pulled from the Hydrator and are now lying on the surface of the soil.
    What if the watering rate is too high and water leaks out the bottom?

Because the water transfer rate is determined by the number and size of the wicks, you can reduce the transfer rate by removing wicks. This should be done one wick at a time. Each wick has two legs. Pull one leg of one wick from the medium, wipe off any medium left on the wick, fold the wick into the hydrator and replace the reservoir in it. If, after a few days, you see that the water no longer leaks out, you could either leave that leg of the wick inside the hydrator or pull up the retainer and trim the wick near the bottom of the hydrator. Replace the retainer (and the other wicks). If, there is still too much flow, then try removing that wick entirely. It is strongly recommended that pots have drainage holes so that water does not accumulate in the bottom of the pot and possibly cause the medium to become septic, damaging the roots.

     How do I water indoor plants automatically?

Once the hydrator and wicks have been put into place (see the Installation tab to the left, at the top or bottom of this page), you only need to refill the reservoir when or before it empties. For almost  all houseplants, it will not cause any damage if the reservoir is left empty for a few days, since there will be residual moisture in the growth medium to provide for their needs. Just be alert to signs that the plant is under water stress (yellowing, browning or drooping leaves) Adjusting the water flow rate to meet the needs of your plants is explained above and under the Operation tab at the top of this page.

     How can I water my plants while on vacation? 

Because the reservoir can be readily interchanged for one of higher capacity, water can be reliably provided for weeks. The reservoir shown at the upper right on this page holds 32 ounces and can water a small or medium sized plant for weeks.  Adapters with an extension that will fit into the hydrator will soon be available on this site.

     Where can I get the bottle reservoirs shown in some pictures?

These are re-purposed bottles. Any bottle with a long, rigid neck that will fit well down into the Hydrator should work.

Bottles with a short neck (such as soft drink bottles) do not work well because they tend to empty too quickly because the water level is too close to the top of the Hydrator and the water tends to overflow the Hydrator when it is released from the bottle. Also, if used outside, these light plastic bottles tend to blow over when empty.

There are plenty of other bottles, in both glass and plastic, that will work. Wine and oil bottles have been used successfully. If you do not have a wine bottle and dine at a restaurant that serves wine, ask the server if they have empty wine bottles that you can use to water your plants. It doesn't hurt to have a plastic grocery sack for them to put them in. If you don't drink wine, you might also ask some of your friends if they have empties - most people would rather see their empties re-used than trashed.