SELF WATERING GROW KITFREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Setup Questions

What types of plants work with my Self-Watering Grow Kit?
How do I pick a good plant to add to my kit?How do I claim the $5 rebate for my plant?
What is the dry transplant method and why is it important?

Growth and Care Questions

My plant isn’t looking healthy - what’s wrong?
My plant’s roots have started to extend out of the grow pot and into the water - is that okay?
What Fertilizers will work with my Self-Watering Grow Kit?

Component-related Questions

How does the Self-Watering Wicking System work?
What kind of grow medium is this?

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Setup Questions

What types of plants work with my Self-Watering Grow Kit?

• The Self-Watering Grow Kit is designed for all common types of succulents and cacti, giving you countless options to brighten your home with a beautiful plant. Great options include all of the common succulents such as Aloe, Echeveria, and Crassula, but also many types of small cacti like Moon Cactus!

 

• If you have a question about a specific plant, reach out and we’ll be happy to advise you! Backtotheroots.com/contact

How do I pick a good plant to add to my kit?

While all different types of succulents and cacti work well in this planter, it’s crucial to add a plant that’s healthy. When you head to your local garden center, look for this evidence that you’ve got a healthy plant:

• • 3” pot diameter: your kit is meant to start with a succulent on the smaller side, so that it can establish itself before continuing to increase in size.
• • Plump, compact leaves: avoid plants that have been “searching” for sunlight and appear lanky or unsturdy.
• • Healthy roots: look for roots that extend to the edges of the pot, but not ones that loop around the inside of the pot - these are called root-bound plants. Root-bound plants are older and usually less healthy, and they can have stunted growth because they’re accustomed to their small containers.

How do I claim the $5 rebate for my plant?

• Head to backtotheroots.com/hydrorebate to submit your information and we’ll process your rebate!

What is the dry transplant method and why is it important?

• The dry transplant method is a technique for adding your succulent or cactus to your Self-Watering Grow Kit that will ensure your plant grows happy and healthy in its new home. The important steps in the method are removing soil, trimming roots, transplanting into the grow pot, and letting roots dry for two days. This method has been proven to reduce the likelihood of early succulent rotting in this self-watering system by allowing air to access your plant’s roots. Trimming away extra long or dead roots also helps your plant better pick up nutrients and establish itself in its new home

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Growth and Care Questions

My plant isn’t looking healthy - what’s wrong?

• We’re here to help! Please send us a message with a photo of your plant and we’ll be happy to give you advice. Some of the most common issues:
  Shriveling leaves - most likely your plant is in a hot environment and may need more water. Simply pour water directly over your grow medium to give your plant roots an immediate drink.
  Yellowing leaves - this can be a sign of too much water. Aerate your roots by taking the water wick out of the reservoir for a few days, allowing the grow medium to completely dry.
  Leggy/elongated growth - your plant is looking for more light! Try to find a spot in your home that receives more sunlight, or place a grow light above your planter to supplement your existing light.

My plant’s roots have started to extend out of the grow pot and into the water - is that okay?

• Yes this is very common and a sign that your succulent has established itself in its new home! Those roots will help deliver more water and nutrients to your plant to allow it to continue to thrive.

What Fertilizers will work with my Self-Watering Grow Kit?

• Many different fertilizers will be appropriate to use with your Self-Watering Grow Kit, but here are some general guidelines:
  Use a soluble liquid fertilizer: Because your plant will be picking up nutrients directly from the water in your reservoir, it’s best to use a soluble liquid fertilizer as opposed to a granular fertilizer meant to be added to soil.
  Find one meant for succulents: Succulents do not need as concentrated a fertilizer as herbs or vegetables do, so succulent-specific fertilizers will be gentler and have dosage recommendations safe to use with your plant. These plant foods will also be balanced for succulent growth and deliver the correct amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
  Make it “complete”:Beyond the important nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium included in succulent fertilizers, it will be important use one that includes a few “micronutrients” like calcium, iron, and/or magnesium
  A couple of high quality fertilizers we’ve tested and love:
  Grow More Cactus Juice
  Shultz Cactus Plus

Component-related Questions

How does the Self-Watering Wicking System work?

• The Self-Watering Wicking System is the beating heart behind this planter, providing the water your succulent or cactus needs, as it needs it. This means you spend less time worrying about over- or under-watering, and more time enjoying the beautiful botanical addition to your home! The system is based on hydroponics - using the water your plant needs as the way of delivering nutrients to your plant. The wicking rope uses capillary action to bring water up from the reservoir and deliver it directly to the grow medium and your plant’s roots. Water moves up the wick only as your plants use it, so there’s no need to worry about over or under-watering!

What kind of grow medium is this?

• The grow medium provided with the Self-Watering Grow Kit is a high quality hydroponic medium known as Lightweight Expanded Clay Aggregate, or LECA pebbles for short. It’s the gold-standard medium for hydroponic growing, used by both commercial and home gardeners!

Have a question that’s not answered here? Reach out to our knowledgeable customer service team and they’ll be happy to help you out!

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Instruction Booklet

Click the image below for a printable PDF of the instruction card.