Even as Homes & Gardens' very own houseplant fanatic, I'm the first to admit that I've let houseplant watering slip to the bottom of my to-do list when other priorities take over. But, there's one tool that comes to the rescue every time: self-watering globes.
They gradually release water into plant soil as needed, so you don't have to worry about watering them yourself. The latest to catch my eye? These gorgeous pastel green and pink IKEA DOFTRIPS self-watering globes.
As part of the IKEA spring gardening collection, these globes make houseplant irrigation decorative as well as practical. They've already had plenty of reviews, with shoppers describing, 'they're large and hold a lot of water' and are well-made. Especially beneficial for houseplants that hate drought, you simply fill the globes with water, insert them in your plant's soil, and forget about it until it's time to refill them again (which isn't as frequent as you might think).
Watering systems just got prettier with these IKEA DOFTRIPS self-watering globes. Coming as a pair, these pastel green and pink self-watering globes are great for the houseplants that never want to dry out entirely. They hold 14oz of water each, easily insert into houseplant soil, and gradually release water as needed, keeping roots hydrated without oversaturating them.
Why Use Self-Watering Globes?
Self-watering globes are not ideal for every indoor plant, especially those that like to dry out entirely between watering, like cacti. But, for the thirstiest houseplants and those that demand consistent moisture, these tools are a life-saver.
Plant watering globes are simple in design and clever in function. They essentially work in response to soil drying out with a vacuum effect.
As soil dries, oxygen enters the watering globe, displacing water and releasing it into the soil. So long as you refill the globes as they empty, they stop your houseplants drying out.
This also means it doesn't release too much water, just enough to saturate the soil. You're less likely to encounter an indoor plant mistake like overwatering as a result, keeping houseplant root rot (and even common houseplant pests) at bay.
It makes watering low-effort. You'll be surprised at just how little you need to refill the globes, too – far less often than watering plants manually.
Though, you should be aware it's all reactive to how fast the soil dries out, so you will need to keep in mind the time of year, room temperature, and even the type of houseplant soil you're using.
Why Shoppers Love the IKEA Globes
The IKEA DOFTRIPS self-watering globes have a 4.5 star rating, with shoppers leaving satisfied reviews about not only its function but also its beautiful appearance.
'This is very sturdy, well-designed, and fairly attractive,' one five-star reviewer shares.
The fact they come in pastel hues of green and pink mean they aren't obtrusive or stick out as an eye-sore, but rather bring a bit of color to planters while keeping the attention on your beloved houseplants.
The mouth-blown glass is also an imperfect sphere, with an umbrella-shaped head that is undoubtedly chic.
As for cleaning it, the product description describes: 'If soil clogs the insert – clean with a thin pipe cleaner or cotton bud,' offering an easy solution.
'Pleasantly surprised at the thickness of the glass and size of the globe,' another shopper writes.
Considering they are just $14.99 (just over $7 each), it seems these IKEA globes are high-quality and shoppers are confident in their durability.
They also hold 14oz of water each, offering a fairly long-lasting supply of water before needing to be refilled, so you really can forget about wating your plants for a little while.
'They look nice and are keeping my plants happy so far,' a reviewer adds. It's clear they do their job and stop plants becoming both dehydrated and oversaturated.
Perhaps the only downside is the fact they only come in two colors, limiting the choice.
Nevertheless, if you're looking for an affordable and quick upgrade for your indoor garden that actually helps you keep on top of essential plant care, these globes and pretty and practical.
If you've found us here because your houseplants have experienced a bit of neglect, our guide to reviving houseplants you forgot to water may help you. Once they've perked back up, there's no doubt the IKEA DOFTRIPS self-watering globes can help prevent future issues.
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Shop Houseplant Accessories
Use this soil moisture meter to check how wet your houseplant's soil is before watering. It can help you stop over and underwatering your plants.
This indoor potting mat from IKEA makes repotting plants mess-free. It also helps gather soil so you waste less.
These pebble humidity trays help boost humidity levels for moisture-loving plants. Simply keep water levels refilled.
This pretty watering can is ideal for houseplants thanks to its long, narrow spout. In between use, it doubles as a decorative piece.
