There are lots of watering devices or self-watering pots for houseplants, but they tend to deliver the water too quickly.

This model delivers water extremely slowly, as the water container is not open to the atmosphere.

Use this for:

• watering small plants while you are away (but check the flow rate for a few days before you go away - as ultra-slow may be too slow for your plants),
• dosing liquid fertiliser (for plants like orchids)

This can be printed in PLA. (Some claim PLA isn't waterproof, but don't worry, it will work fine for this)

There are three parts to the model:

The Container

This is the reservoir to contain your water.

Ideally print this in transparent PLA (which in really will come out translucent).

It will work just as well in any other color, but if it's transparent, and you use the float, you can see how much water is left.

The Float

Print this in a different color. This is inserted in the container, and floats on the top of the water, to help you see how much is left.

The Spike

This screws into the container, and has a small spike that you push into the soil.

The spike has a small hole at the bottom.

The size of the hole doesn't actually limit the speed the water comes out at, that's controlled by the atmospheric pressure pushing up on the water - who knew physics could be so useful!

Method

1. Fill your container with water

This sounds easy, but as the neck is quite narrow, if you just hold it under a tap it will not fill (as the incoming water stops the air from inside escaping).  Even submerging it under water isn't very effective! Instead, use the spike as a funnel, placing the thin end of the spike into the container, and then holding the combination under the tap. Water will go everywhere, but it will then quickly fill, as the water goes in through the spike, and the air can escape round the edges. You could also use a mini funnel if you have one, but the spike works just fine.

2. Place the Float into the container

and push it down using the spike, so it isn't trapped in the neck. It will likely never come out again, but it doesn't need to.

3. Screw the spike on to the container

and invert it.

• The float should float up to the top
• Dry the container off if you want
• Plant it in your pot

Water should come out extremely slowly (over hours and days)

Depending on the size of your plant you may need to use several (just printing it bigger won't necessarily increase the flow rate).

The float - floating - showing the water level.

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⭐Do post your photos of this - and your happy plants - in the comments below.

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Looking for more ways to keep your plants happy?

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Try these plant pot feet - designed for your outdoor plant pots, place these under your pot to keep it off the ground, allowing drainage, and preventing roots rotting or growing into the ground:

https://makerworld.com/en/models/857317

Plant cane stake cap

https://makerworld.com/en/models/1138070

Slow-release watering device:

https://makerworld.com/en/models/910055