Our guide to using Mr Kitly Self-Watering Pots
If you are just starting out in the indoor plant game, or even if you are already obsessed with indoor plants and want to know more about using self-watering pots, then read on, this article is for you! It comes from our experience in growing indoor plants in Victoria, Australia with a focus on our favourite plant pots, the Mr Kitly Self-Watering Range. We will go into why we love these pots so much, and how you can successfully grow indoor plants yourself using this range.
Why Mr Kitly Pots?
I am sure there are many great plant pots out there, but I love these ones! And in this article I will tell you why.
Don't forget - we have free shipping australia wide!The colours
There are so many colours to choose from! So you are sure to find something to suit your aesthetic. From bright and bold, to soft and muted, to black and white, Mr Kitly Pots have it all. My current favourite is the Fog colour, which is available in all sizes and is just a lovely soft green that doesn't detract from the plant but adds a hint of colour to the space. Check out some of the colour range below.
The shape
Nice and simple is what we love best. The sides are straight, with no taper, which we love as they are the most versatile classic shape that work really well when displayed in a plant stand, and also work well on a shelf when you are trying to maximise the pot size for the plant and need to be able to push it up against the wall. There is however, a hint of a curve on the bottom which we find is very chic…if pots are allowed to be called chic! Then when combined with our Victorian Ash Plant Stands….say no more!
The functionality
The built in tray at the bottom is just the best. Not only does it look lovely and in keeping with the design and shape, but it also really serves its purpose for making the pot function as its title suggests; self-watering! Once your plant is happily established in the pot, you will find that taking care of your plant is so easy with these pots. All you need to do is check to see if the recess at the bottom is dry, if so then your plant will be ready for more water…if still wet, then leave it!. You may also find that your plants will do well to have a couple of days with the recess at the bottom being dry before you re-water, just to ensure that they don’t get wet feet. Because we all know, having wet feet is not fun…for us, nor the plants!
It really is such a convenient way to have indoor plants, in fact, I haven’t yet killed a plant in one of my Mr Kitly Pots yet. But I certainly have killed a few in the regular pots around my home. I have found my confidence grow as I use these pots because I can get to know how much water my plant needs as I can visually see how much water it uses over a certain period of time and how that gradually changes throughout the year and seasons.
The sizes
This is also a great feature of this range with 5 sizes available; 170mm, 215mm, 250mm, 300mm to 375mm. As you can start your plant in the smallest 170mm diameter pot, and then gradually upgrade it to the next size as it grows. You can also very easily transfer your plants around with the pots being very lightweight and easy to move. Oh, and if you accidentally drop it, it won’t break like the ceramic pots would!
The price
Even though the plants don’t care how expensive the pot is, I know we do! The Mr Kitly Pot range are reasonably priced and are an affordable way to eliminate the risk of growing your plants indoors. They have well paid for themselves in my house as they have kept my plants alive when I have been away on holiday and have taught me a great deal about plant care and saved me from over-watering many plants!
The location
This might seem like a strange thing to mention, but as we are a small business in Victoria Australia we love supporting local! The Mr Kitly Pots are Australian designed by Richard Carlson (who has won many design awards) and made in Melbourne, just a couple of hours south from us.
Some tips
So, what have I learnt and what mistakes have I made that you can now benefit from! Well, on the odd occasion the tray has fallen off when I have moved the plant, but don’t worry it can be twisted back on. All you need to do is put the feet in the right spot and give it a little twist to lock it back into place. I also had a customer find a spider in the bottom that she was unsure of how to deal with it, but you can quite easily wash it out but putting the pot in the sink or getting a hose into it outside. Another tip is to use a watering can with a small spout to easily fit into the little gap for the water recess. I also recommend choosing where you want the gap when planting your plant so that you can access it conveniently when watering.
Lastly, my tip is to have fun with your collection! They look great grouped together in different sizes and colours. And if it makes your life that little bit easier, and your plants that little bit happier, then its a win win!
