Keep Your Hanging Plants Hydrated with These Clever Water Catchers

Hanging plants are a great way to add greenery and life to any indoor or outdoor space But keeping those suspended pots watered can be a challenge! Water drips down and makes a mess if you try to water from above That’s where a water catcher or drip pan comes in handy. These clever devices collect extra water and allow it to be absorbed back up into the soil. Let’s explore the different options for water catchers and how to choose the right one for your hanging basket needs.

Why Use a Water Catcher?

Without a catcher excess water will simply drain straight through the bottom of a hanging pot and onto whatever is below. This wastes water and makes a drippy mess! A water catcher solves both issues by collecting the excess liquid and holding it in a reservoir. The water reservoir allows the soil to fully absorb the moisture over time.

Catchers prevent wasted water and over-watering They also protect surfaces underneath hanging plants from water stains and damage No more getting dripped on as you walk under your hanging baskets! Water catchers allow you to water planters less frequently while still keeping plants hydrated,

Key Features to Look For

When selecting a water catcher, keep these key features in mind:

• Reservoir size: Bigger is usually better here, as you want it to hold ample water. However, also consider the weight when full.

• Drainage: Small holes or slits that allow excess water to drain down into the reservoir from the soil.

• Overflow protection: Prevents the reservoir from overfilling by redirecting extra water away from the plant.

• Durability: Pick sturdy materials that can handle weather and won’t become brittle with sun exposure.

• Attachment method: Some attach to the hanger or hook, others sit underneath the pot.

Popular Styles of Water Catchers

Now let’s explore some of the most popular styles and designs for water catchers available today.

Drip Pans

These are shallow, saucer-like pans that sit underneath a hanging pot. The most basic just have a water reservoir and allow overflow to drip out. More advanced versions may have an overflow channel to redirect excess water away from the basket.

Pros:

• Provide a wide, stable base for pots to sit on
• Many size options available
• Often have drainage holes for excess water

Cons:

• Can overflow if reservoir fills up
• Need frequent emptying to prevent overflow
• Water in reservoir may evaporate quickly

Chain Attachments

These water catchers attach directly to the hanging chain or hook. They are suspended below the pot and catch drips in an internal reservoir.

Pros:

• Don’t take up space underneath the pot
• Can hold a decent amount of water
• Available in multiple sizes

Cons:

• Can be heavy when reservoir fills up
• Require sturdy hooks and chains
• Reservoir may be small in some designs

Bracket Styles

Bracket water catchers attach to the sides of a hanging pot. Some designs wrap all the way around while others just attach to two sides. The brackets form a reservoir that extends below the pot.

Pros:

• Provide reservoir space on multiple sides
• Don’t take up space underneath
• Can customize size by adding more brackets

Cons:

• Individual brackets may only hold a small amount
• Can be tricky to install properly
• Require drilling holes into the pot (on some models)

Self-Watering Buckets

These are essentially hanging pots with a built-in water reservoir at the bottom. The self-contained design means no need for an additional catcher.

Pros:

• All-in-one integrated system
• Large water reservoirs on some designs
• May have water level indicators

Cons:

• Limited flexibility as the pot and catcher are one unit
• Can be heavy when reservoir is full
• Drainage can be slow on some models

Creative DIY Options

You can also make your own simple water catcher using household items like food containers, plastic bottles, or small buckets. Get creative with materials on hand!

Pros:

• Ultra cheap to make yourself
• Customize size and features
• Use what you already have at home

Cons:

• Trial and error to find a design that works
• May not last long if materials aren’t durable
• Can be messy and leak if not designed properly

Now that you know about the various water catcher options available, it’s time to pick the style that best fits your needs. Consider the size and weight of your hanging pots, your watering frequency, and your budget. With the right water catcher, you can keep your hanging plants lush, happy and hydrated!

To keep hanging baskets watered while away, you can group them in a shady spot, use self-watering methods like drip irrigation or self-watering globes, or employ a watering system with a timer.