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Let Your Plants Water Themselves With the Perfect Amount
PlantWatcher Automatic Waterer, Medium
PlantWatcher Automatic Waterer, Medium

Automatic Waterer with Ceramic Sensor, Medium
18 customer ratings: Customers rated this product 3 Stars
Item# 311PWM
Price:$9.99
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Overview

  • Sensor detects root demand
  • Cycle allows oxygen to reach roots
  • Up to three weeks of auto-watering
  • Perfect for vacations

Essential Info

The PlantWatcher automatic plant watering system automatically waters plants using a special new patent-pending sensor that waters the plant only when the plant actually needs the water by drip irrigation.

What's Included

  • Plantwatcher waterer
  • More Info


    How it Works
    Because root demand turns the PlantWatcher on and off, the plant basically waters itself. The space-age sensor is in contact with the soil, constantly measuring soil moisture. Moisture decreases as the roots suck water out of the soil. Available water in the soil migrates toward the roots and sucks water out of the sensor by capillary action. When water is removed from the sensor, air can flow through the sensor and allow water to slowly drip out of the PlantWatcher. In other words, the sensor is an air control valve.

    The release of water by air is the same principle that exists when water is held suspended in a straw by the finger tip. When the finger tip is removed, the incoming air allows water to flow out of the straw. If the finger tip is reapplied before all of the water runs out of the straw, the flow is stopped and the straw will hold the remaining water until the finger tip is again removed.

    The outlet drip point at the end of the water delivery tube (water director) is placed near the center of the root system. The PlantWatcher is installed in the soil about 3 to 5 inches away from the drip point. The water coming out of the PlantWatcher wets a surface circle of 6 to 10 inches (15 to 25 centimeters) in diameter. Also, gravity and the soil particles take the water deep down into the soil. As water is released at the end of the delivery tube, it migrates toward the sensor, and when it contacts the sensor, it shuts air flow off and therefore stops the water flow. This on-and-off cycle, triggered by the needs of the roots, continues supplying water precisely as needed. Only PlantWatcher provides for alternate wetting and drying of the soil, simulating nature, and allowing the roots to breathe oxygen. Oxygen is very important for growth in the synthesis of potassium and phosphates.

    The unit automatically compensates for various types of soil, humidity, the needs of the plant and other ambient conditions such as sunlight because it is controlled by the demands of the root system. As a result, plants grow in a healthier way, free from the stress of over- or under-watering. The plant caregiver enjoys many benefits. The guesswork and concern of when to water is never an issue. Vacations and time away from the plant can be worry free because plants are watered automatically in a timely and most healthy way.

    Q. The water doesn't appear to be going down in my PlantWatcher... how do I know if my PlantWatcher is working?

    A. Plants want much less water than most people think. It is very common for people to over-water their plants. With PlantWatcher, the plant decides when to water itself. A plant will not over-water or under-water itself.

    Plants also need sunlight. Sometimes people think the PlantWatcher is not working because it is not delivering water when in actuallity the plant is not getting enough sunlight. If your plant is not getting enough light, it will not draw water out of the PlantWatcher. Tests have proven that plant roots actually suck water through the soil up to as much as 30 psi. This is why we say that the sensor is activated by root suction.

    There are many factors that determine when your plant needs water, including size and type of plant, temperature, humidity of the air in your home, and need for oxygen. Your PlantWatcher may not water your plant for several days. This is because water in the soil is available to the roots. The PlantWatcher will eventually release water when the roots, acting through the soil, activate the PlantWatcher.

    Q. Is it OK to use Model 280 in a larger pot than recommended, like 12 inch?

    A. Yes, any PlantWatcher will work in a larger-than-recommended pot size. The only difference is that you will find it necessary to refill it more often. The recommended pot sizes were chosen to provide up to three weeks or more for vacation use. For vacations, you water the plant before you go and PlantWatcher holds back the reservoir water until the plant demands water again.

    Q. Why does my plant grow so much better with PlantWatcher?

    A. The plant is never stressed by over- or under-watering. Also, like nature's rains, watering is intermittent -- allowing essential oxygen down into the soil to the roots.

    Q. Can liquid fertilizer be applied with PlantWatcher?

    A. Yes -- Many liquid fertilizers are compatible with PlantWatcher.

    Q. How does PlantWatcher stack up against the competititon?

    A. For comparison, constant drip watering devices can starve the roots for oxygen. Constantly wet soil, devoid of available oxygen, is not as good for the plant as alternating between wet and dry soil. Air in dryer soil brings oxygen to the roots. Also, constant drippers often over-water a plant. For example, the constant drip does not hold back water when the roots are satisfied. With PlantWatcher, the plant can be hand watered before a vacation and reservoir water will be held back until the hand watering is used up. It will then dispense water as the roots demand. Also, with the PlantWatcher sensor system, the capacity of the reservoir can be reduced as the plant only takes water as needed.

    With regard to timer systems, there is no need to make complex estimates for dispensing the right amount of water or estimating the timing of the water. PlantWatcher automatically does that for you. The result of using PlantWatcher is longer reservoir life, no danger of leaks or flooding, and healthier more robust growth.

    Also available in Large and Small sizes.

    Specifications


    Specifications

    Manufacturer:PlantWatcher Corp.
    Manufacturer Product No.:650
    UPC:188296000024
    Dimensions:2.8" x 14.5" x 3.25"
    Weight:.15 lb
    Recommended Pot Size:8" to 10" inch
    Warranty:30 days limited



    Reviews

    "Appears to be keeping my Yukka plant alive so far." - ANN - SPRINGFIELD GARDENS, NY
    "Water system would empty too fast." - JACK - HAUPPAUGE, NY
    "Seems to be good, too early to judge, need longer term..." - AVI - PALO ALTO, CA

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