The top 3 recommendations and buying guides

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In June 2017, Stiftung Warentest published the results of its testing of a total of 16 systems for Plant irrigation - the Bördy XL from the manufacturer Scheurich was there and even scored an overall score of 1.6 Test winner from. The pretty Bördy is primarily intended as a short-term irrigation aid and works completely without a water connection. However, since the capacity of the water reservoir is limited, the product is not suitable as an irrigation system for a longer vacation - depending on Location and size (the watering ball is available in different sizes) the Bördy supplies your indoor and balcony plants for up to 11 days long.

Many Amazon customers rate these irrigation balls as attractively priced and pretty in the flower pot. Potted plants are intended. Many users report that the balls either do not release water or empty it too quickly; however, there could be simple application errors behind it: In dry soil as well as in very sunny Locations, plants consume more water, so the precious liquid is quickly drawn out of the irrigation balls will. If, on the other hand, no water runs out of the reservoir, the tube is probably clogged with soil. It is therefore imperative that you follow the manufacturer's instructions during commissioning.

For the Mediterranean look in the living room or These clay irrigation balls are used on the balcony and are primarily intended for smaller plants due to their small size and low filling quantity. The clay pots are simply dug into the earth with the tapered side down, so that about a fifth of the upper part still protrudes. The hole also remains above the ground, because you need this to refill the clay cone. The irrigation is now carried out using pure physics: Since the material clay is permeable to water, the moisture in the container gradually seeps into the earth.

Purchase criteria

size

Irrigation balls are available in different sizes, so that there is the right model for every planter. Because when choosing the irrigation aid, you have to pay attention to whether the desired product fits into the pot. Irrigation balls made of glass or plastic consist of a thin tube on which a water reservoir in a ball or other shape is located. These variants fit in any pot, unlike clay balls, which have to be buried.

Capacity

There is also a wide range of capacities: Depending on the plant (and its size), you can choose between Irrigation balls with a small capacity of 125 milliliters up to models that contain a liter of water and more can grasp. Which product you choose depends on the size and water requirements of the plant to be supplied with it - as well as how long the water supply should last. Small amounts are naturally used up after a few days.

material

plastic: Plastic is a robust material that is inexpensive to manufacture and also has a long service life. However, many plastics react to the effects of the weather - especially to UV light - by becoming porous over time. This in turn means that the irrigation ball releases too much water and no longer works as desired. In addition, many plastic irrigation balls look less high-quality than models made of glass or clay.

Glass: Glass, on the other hand, does not become porous when exposed to sunlight and also has a more attractive appearance than plastic - but irrigation balls made of glass are also more expensive. If you value design, you can purchase beautiful, hand-blown irrigation balls and thus further increase the ornamental value of your indoor plants. But be careful: glass breaks easily, for example when exposed to stress or if you accidentally drop the irrigation aid. In addition, glass has a burning glass effect in strong sunlight, which can occasionally lead to burn marks.

volume: So-called ollas - clay pots for watering the garden and in raised beds - have been used for centuries. These irrigation aids have been tried and tested, and there are also many different models for the garden, balcony boxes and flower pots. Clay is a natural material that always gives off exactly as much water as the plants need - for physical reasons, pouring over is not possible. In addition, clay pots are visually attractive. Be careful not to buy products made from baked clay.

scope of application

Should the watering balls be used for the indoor plants, in the balcony box or even in the garden? Different models are recommended depending on the intended use. In the garden or in the raised bed, you should actually use larger models with a higher capacity from one liter as well as from robust materials that are insensitive to UV light - clay is more likely in this area recommendable. For indoor plants, on the other hand, watering balls made of glass or plastic are better, as ollas actually take up a lot of space in the pot.

Shape and color

Last but not least, optics also play a role when choosing the irrigation balls. Irrigation aids are available in many shapes and colors, especially in the indoor plant segment. But whether in animal form or in bright bright colors: Ultimately, it depends on whether the system does its job. What this means for you: First, take a look at the customer ratings to see whether the irrigation aids are generally rated positively and - especially important! - what negative reviews there are.

frequently asked Questions

What are irrigation balls?

Irrigation balls usually consist of a thin tube and a water reservoir on top, which is often spherical in shape. However, the shape can vary, so there are also models with a more creative appearance - for example in the shape of an animal. Depending on the model and the size of the pot, you insert the tube at different depths into the earth.

How do irrigation balls work?

The principle of operation of the irrigation ball is simple: when the tube is inserted into the soil, some of the substrate gets into it and clogs the tube. Dry earth releases oxygen into the irrigation balls. This displaces the water and pushes it out through the tube drop by drop. Now the dry substrate soaks up the moisture like a sponge.

How do you use irrigation balls correctly?

You should use the plant pour vigorously beforehand - the substrate must be well moistened. Fill the irrigation reservoir completely. Now insert the tube into the soil so that the pointed end is as close as possible to the roots.

How long does the water supply last?

Sometimes the manufacturers advertise with statements such as "Watered for up to 14 days!". You shouldn't rely on that, because how long the water supply will actually last depends on various factors. This of course includes the capacity of the watering ball, but also the specific water requirement of the plant and its location: In sunny places, plants need significantly more moisture.

Which manufacturers produce high quality irrigation balls?

You can get high-quality irrigation balls primarily from Scheurich, who has other models in its portfolio in addition to the Bördy already presented. Like Bördy, these are available in different sizes. Also recommended is the “Blumat” system (which, however, is not an irrigation ball), which was specially designed for indoor and balcony plants and offers a larger water reservoir.

Can I also supply my orchids with irrigation balls?

Irrigation balls are not suitable for supplying orchids, because the underlying physical functional principle only works with fine soil, but not with coarse soil Orchid substrate(€ 7.98 at Amazon *) functions. Here you could click on one instead Hydroponics avoid, which works very well with the popular, uncomplicated orchid species.