WLO stands for Water Less Often. Bamboo Blooms self-watering planters store water beneath the soil and use soil-filled legs to draw moisture upward into the growing medium as it is needed.
1. Add water. Water moves down through the growing medium and collects in the reservoir beneath the soil.
2. Store it. The reservoir holds water below the root zone. The overflow hole establishes the maximum water level.
3. Draw moisture upward. Soil-filled legs extend into the reservoir and wick moisture upward into the growing medium.
4. Water less often. Stored water remains available between waterings.
When you first plant your Bamboo Blooms planter, water slowly from the top. Thoroughly wetting the growing medium is important. After a short while you will see water entering the reservoir below.
This initial wetting establishes the capillary action, or wicking effect. Moisture can then travel upward from the reservoir through the soil-filled legs and into the growing medium, where the roots take up the water the plant needs.
Over time the soil at the top may become a little drier. That is OK while water remains in the reservoir. From time to time, use your little finger to check through the overflow hole. If you can feel water there, there is no need to water again yet.
The reservoir is enclosed except for the overflow hole. Together with the drier soil surface, this helps reduce evaporation and is part of what enables you to WLO — Water Less Often.
Some people prefer to add water directly through the overflow hole, and that is fine. If the reservoir completely dries out, however, water slowly from the top again to re-establish the capillary action and wicking effect.
For indoor plants, take the planter to a laundry tub or sink. Water slowly from the top until water begins to spill from the overflow hole. Leave it for about 10 minutes until water stops running out, then gently tip out a little more excess water and wipe the base before returning it to display. And take a little care on the journey back so you don’t drip water on the carpet!
Our animated WLO story will show the complete journey from first watering to stored water being drawn upward through the growing medium.
Animation in development.
Does WLO mean I never have to water?
No. WLO means Water Less Often. You still add water; the planter stores water and helps make moisture available between waterings.
Do the roots sit in the reservoir?
No. The root zone remains above the stored water, separated by an air gap.
What does the overflow hole do?
It sets the maximum water level in the reservoir.
How does water get back to the soil?
Soil-filled legs extend into the reservoir and draw moisture upward into the growing medium.