FAQ - sipH2O

About sipH2O Planters

About planting in a sipH2O planter

About Growing with sipH2O Planters

Does the sipH2O planter require assembly?

Not really. Simply slide the water level indicator into the appropriate leg (indicated by the arrow) and plant your plant. It's that quick and easy. Back To Top

What are the slits on the side of the planter insert for?

They provide your plant's roots access to air - essential for a healthy plant. sipH2O's root care system allows air to get to 6 sides of the root structure. Mother Nature can't even do this! Back To Top

Are sipH2O planters UV resistant?

sipH2O self watering planter's high quality painted finishes will retain their appearance for years in direct sunlight. Back To Top

Are sipH2O planters shatterproof?

Painted to look like glazed ceramic, the Verde Series is made of lightweight, durable plastic that will not chip or crack, even if you drop them. Back To Top

How do I clean my sipH2O planter?

sipH2O's nesting pot design makes it easy to clean the hidden interior reservoir. Just remove the Planter Insert and use a soft cloth or sponge with mild detergent.

For the exterior, a damp soft cloth will do the trick. If necessary, use a mild detergent. Do not use an abrasive cleaner as the sipH2O exterior is a painted finish. Back To Top

What are the dividers for that come with the rectangular planter?

The dividers are used to create three separate growing areas. This is handy when the planter is used to grow different types of herbs as many herbs have invasive root systems. So the dividers will keep one herb from encroaching on its neighbor. Back To Top

Can the Verde Series be used outdoors?

The Verde Series is designed for indoor use; they are not designed for the outdoors. Why? There is no drain hole for rain overflow. The water conserving sub-irrigation planters will withstand outdoor elements and can be easily drained by hand (simply remove Planter Insert and pour out excess water - whatever is above fill line) but you must tend to them or you can kill your plants. Back To Top

Can the sipH2O root care system be used for all my plants?

Yes, the sipH2O root care system provides an ideal growing environment for all types of plants. There aren't any plants that wouldn't benefit from sub-irrigation other than air plants such as Bromeliads. Back To Top

What type of soil should I use?

sipH2O planters are designed to use potting mix. A nutrient rich mix can be bought where plants are sold. Back To Top

Why potting mix and not potting soil?

A good potting compost mix includes soil conditioners to provide the plant with nutrients and support adequate drainage and proper aeration needed for container gardening. Most potting mixes contain a combination of peat and vermiculite or perlite.

It is advised to add perlite to the potting mix because it is important that the mix promotes good capillary action and not all commercial potting soils are free-draining enough.

It's quite easy to add perlite, I like to use a ratio of 3 to 1 - 3 scoops of potting mix to 1 scoop of perlite. Mix it up well and then use it to plant with.

The composition of a potting mix is a leading consideration with respect to the needs of a plant and its specific unique growing conditions. Back To Top

What do I need to pay attention to in order to grow healthy plants?

Proper watering is essential for good plant health as is proper and adequate light. Plants are composed of practically 90% water so it important to supply them with adequate water. The type of plant, plant age, light level, soil type and planter size all will determine when a plant needs to be watered.

Light is also a primary consideration. Every plant has different light requirements. Many plants prefer direct sunlight, while others require indirect light. Placing a plant in a window might offer enough light, but some houseplants will need supplementing from a grow light.

Not all plants are alike. But once you learn what your plant wants it's easy to give it with a sipH2O planter. Back To Top

What is the cycle time?

The cycle time is the period it takes for your plant to absorb the water in the reservoir and then for the soil to dry just beyond the ideal moisture level of your particular plant. Back To Top

Are all plants cycle time the same?

Not all plants cycle time are the same because certain plant's ideal soil condition is consistently moist while others require the soil to dry out between watering. Consult your local nursery or a garden handbook to learn your plant's ideal growing conditions. Back To Top

How do I learn my plants particular cycle time?

In the beginning, learn how long it takes for all the water to be absorbed and then how long it takes for the soil to dry just past your plant's ideal soil condition and you will learn the cycle time of your plant. Back To Top

What do I do at the end of the cycle time?

At the end of the cycle time it is time to add water to the reservoir. Back To Top

Does the cycle time change throughout the year?

Yes. The cycle time will be shorter in warmer months and longer in cooler months. Back To Top

How much water do I add to the reservoir?

Fill the reservoir with water until the water level indicator rises to the Max line. Do NOT fill beyond or you will over water. Back To Top

The water level indicator has disappeared. Is it time to water?

Not necessarily. When the blue stick disappears the watering phase is over. It DOES NOT mean it is time to add water! It means the drying phase has now begun. Don’t water until the soil has dried just past your plants soil moisture needs.

Only add water to the reservoir when the soil has dried just past the ideal moisture level for your plant.

For specific plant care instructions consult a garden manual or contact us for information. Back To Top

Will my plant get too much water?

No. Sub-irrigation works like Mother Nature. The natural capillary action of soil will draw water gently up into the root system only as needed.

In fact, maintenance of consistently moist soil is much easier. Soil moisture is in the ideal moist condition the majority of time. Back To Top

Is topping off the reservoir good for my plant?

No. Topping off or constantly refilling the reservoir literally drowns the plant because oxygen is cut off. Back To Top

How do I fertilize my plants with a sipH2O planter?

Use a common water-soluble fertilizer. It must be completely water-soluble. Do not use the fertilizer at full strength, mix at 1/4 to 1/3 the strength recommended by the manufacturer. Mix the fertilizer thoroughly into the water prior to adding to reservoir. Back To Top

How often do I fertilize my plant?

It is recommended to fertilize every other watering or per label instructions. Back To Top

How do I know if I am not fertilizing enough?

If a plant is an overall yellow-green color, is showing weak growth or is dropping its lower leaves, it may need more fertilizer. Back To Top

Are there times I shouldn't fertilize?

If a plant is wilted, do not fertilize. Water well first. After is has recovered then apply fertilizer.

When plants are dormant or generally not growing much during the winter months fertilizer can be withheld. Back To Top

What are soluble salts?

Soluble salts are naturally found in water and are left behind when the soil dries. Back To Top

Will soluble salts kill my plants?

Sub-irrigation planters are often blamed for this. But the sipH2O design allows you to easily flush the soil free of soluble salts so that they can't harm your plant. Back To Top

How do I protect my plant from soluble salts?

Simply remove the Planter Insert and bring it to the sink every few months to gently flush the soil. Let the water run through the soil and into the sink. Back To Top

How is the sipH2O Verde Series assembled?

Simply slide the water level indicator clear cap onto the shaft. Make sure the lid is on top of the fill spout.Back To Top

How do I plant in the sipH2OPlanter?

  1. Tamp potting mix firmly into the legs and add a layer of potting mix to the bottom of the planter insert, enough to cover the surface.
  2. Remove plant from existing container and place the plant inside the planter insert and surround root ball with potting mix. Tamp firmly.
  3. Add water through fill spout until Water Level Indicator registers Max.

It's that easy to start enjoying healthier, happier, more beautiful plants. Back To Top

How long will it take for the reservoir to empty?

Depending on the planter size and location it will take a number of days or weeks for all the water in the reservoir to be drawn up into the soil. Back To Top

When do I add water again to the reservoir?

You want to add water to the planter when the soil moisture calls for it not because the water level indicator has disappeared.

You must check the moisture content of your soil below the surface first. That's where the clear planter insert comes in handy. Lift it out to see if the soil an inch or more below the surface is still moist. The soil color will change as it loses moisture. Only when the soil has dried just beyond the ideal condition for your plant is it time to add water.

Learn the cycle time of your plant and caring for your plants has never been easier. Back To Top

How can I learn the cycle time of my plant?

In the beginning monitor the water level indicator to learn how long it takes for the reservoir to empty. This is the first part of the cycle.

Now remove the planter insert periodically and watch the soil change color as it loses moisture. Also, get a sense of the weight of the planter. It will get lighter as the soil dries. The soil moisture requirements for your particular plant determine when it's time to add water to the planter and the sipH2O design makes it very easy for you to see when you've gone just beyond your plants ideal soil moisture content. When you have, add water to the planter.

It's that easy to get a green thumb with sipH2O. Back To Top

Gregg Baxter

watchCo-founder, Gregg Baxter, shares the sip story.