Self-watering pots
- LaineB
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Hi all.
I'm new to this forum and couldn't find a string on this topic, so if there is one, please just direct me there.
I successfully grew bonsai when I lived in the US. I recently retired to Portugal and am in a quandary. I live in an apartment with a small veranda. Putting in an irrigation system isn't a real option but travel takes me away from home for many weeks. I started using self-watering pots for house plants, flowers and herbs. They're easier to manage for a plant-sitter - just refill the reservoir.
I know self-watering pots aren't classic, but I can live with that. I'm so missing the artistic expression I left behind. Has anyone had experience growing bonsai in these types of pots? Thanks
I'm new to this forum and couldn't find a string on this topic, so if there is one, please just direct me there.
I successfully grew bonsai when I lived in the US. I recently retired to Portugal and am in a quandary. I live in an apartment with a small veranda. Putting in an irrigation system isn't a real option but travel takes me away from home for many weeks. I started using self-watering pots for house plants, flowers and herbs. They're easier to manage for a plant-sitter - just refill the reservoir.
I know self-watering pots aren't classic, but I can live with that. I'm so missing the artistic expression I left behind. Has anyone had experience growing bonsai in these types of pots? Thanks
by LaineB
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- Clicio
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How do they work, these selfwatering pots? Can you post a link to the ones you've been using? Thanks and welcome
by Clicio
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- LaineB
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Clicio, thanks for getting back to me. At risk of being long winded, the water is absorbed from below. I got inspired while visiting Japan, where people were growing trees up to 4 or 5 feet in Japanese self-watering pots. I couldn't tell if plants were repotting into bigger pots every few years or the gardeners were using bonsai techniques to keep the plants contained. I couldn't find a gardener who spoke enough English to discuss.
by LaineB
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- Clicio
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LaineB wrote: .. I got inspired while visiting Japan, where people were growing trees up to 4 or 5 feet in Japanese self-watering pots. I couldn't find a gardener who spoke enough English to discuss.
English speaking people in Japan is somehow difficult to find...
But I have visited this link:
And found it very interesting for bonsai. Please post the results after you try, I am curious!

Last Edit:7 years 10 months ago
by Clicio
Last edit: 7 years 10 months ago by Clicio.
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- LaineB
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Will do. This veranda will be an adventure - 5 to 6 hours of sun. I'm going to try growing camillas up to 4 feet, and some acers of different sizes. We'll see if any thrive.
by LaineB
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