Making sure houseplants are hydrated in summer can be challenging, but it turns out common items around the home like a pasta pot are the key to keeping plants watered properly. 

August is typically when the weather heats up in Britain and this week the country is expected to be hit with another heatwave with temperatures above 30C which means houseplants can easily become wilted or even die in such high temperatures. 

However, Victoria Vitale, a gardening expert and founder of Scissors and Sage has shared there is a quick and easy way to keep houseplants “happy and healthy” in the heat by making a simple DIY self-watering system. 

Victoria first came up with this watering system to help out her houseplants while on holiday but has continued to use it while at home because she was incredibly impressed by the results. 

She said: “I pride myself on my level of care for our houseplants, but let me say this: our plants have never looked better than that week they were watering themselves." 

Victoria added: “If you’re new to houseplants, or aren’t sure how much to water them, use this system even when you’re home. You can reap the benefits of keeping houseplants, but your black thumb won’t get in the way!”

Making a self-watering system only takes minutes to do and it means plants will only absorb the amount of water they need so there is no risk of underwatering or overwatering them. 

It also means you can water many houseplants at once using the same system without needing to lift a finger so you can keep plants healthy without too much effort. 

Victoria said: “You don’t need to do a damn thing! This system will water itself and leave your plants feeling great.” 

How to make a self-watering system for houseplants 

You will need: 

• Pasta pot
• Paper clips 
• Cotton string (or a torn-up t-shirt) 
• Scissors 
• Short stool or steady box 

Method:

To begin, cut the cotton string into two-foot segments or cut an old t-shirt into long and thin strips. 

Next, tie a paper clip to the end of each piece of string or fabric strip. 

Fill a pasta pot with water and place it on a stool or steady box so that the water level is above your plants, then gather your houseplants and place them around the risen pot of water. 

Victoria explained: “Gravity will work with you to pull the water down the string.”

Place the paper clip end of the string in the pasta pot. The paper clips ensure the water stays in the pot and acts as a weight and lowers the water in the pot. 

Then, take the other end of the string and use a finger to bury it about two inches into the soil of each houseplant, making sure to press firmly on the soil to hold each piece of string in place. 

Once you have placed the string into each plant, make sure the string is straight and has no ‘dips’ as the string needs to be a straight downward slope for the water to be able to travel. 

Victoria said: “That is how to create your very own DIY self-watering wicking system! In about an hour, you will notice your plant beginning to receive water.”

Your houseplants will stay fully hydrated without you having to water them so you do not have to worry about keeping your plants hydrated for the rest of summer.