The pros and cons of using a wicking system

[bifster]

I've noticed that hardly any people on this forum report using a wicking system to water their Salvia.  I have had my plant since the beginning of the summer, and since I transplanted her on day one, I have used a wicking system.  Through the few months I've had my plant, I've run into plenty of problems, and learned so much already, even though compared to so many other growers, I am just starting out.  Anyhow, I thought I would post for those who are new growers and are just starting out what I have found to be the pros and cons of a wicking system.  It really is not as complicated as it seems when you first read about it!  (And by the way, Parodoxic's guide to installing a wicking system can be found here:  http://www.salviasource.org/forum/advanced-techniques/automated-watering-system-using-a-'wick'/msg175/#msg175)

Pros:

• You will never have to worry about over/underwatering.  The plant takes exactly how much it needs, and I have noticed that at times this can greatly vary.  Changes in misting, humidity, and light can change how much water your plant's root system needs.
• If you are on vacation or are gone a lot, or just if you are forgetful when it comes to watering your plants--if you have a wicking system you don't need to worry.  You don't need to search desperately for a plant sitter or smack your own forehead because you neglected your poor plant.  (Though a wicking system still isn't going to justify your neglect, you terrible grower!)
• It's perfect for growing indoors.  If you grow your plant indoors, especially if you live in dorms or an apartment complex, you're either going to have a big messy puddle under your plant, or some moldy carpet if you're watering regularly.  Or, you can always take all those flights of stairs down into a courtyard area just so you can water your plant, let it dry out, and then carry it back up all those stairs...OR you can have a wicking system and not have to worry about any of that.
• It's inexpensive.  Not that watering regularly is expensive, but for the convenience, it's probably the cheapest thing I've invested in for my plant.  So if you're considering a wicking system but are worried you don't have enough money for it, don't worry.
• No nute burn.  Unless of course, you decide you're going to pour tons of miracle grow in the reservoir.  I have had zero problems with nute burn, and I used plant food in the reservoir as soon as I transplanted my new cutting.  Dumb on my part, but my plant didn't suffer.

Cons:

• Pest problems.  No, a wicking system does not cause pest problems, but yes, a wicking system makes it much harder to get rid of pests.  Neem drenches, watering with Bt--you have to water regularly.  This is a problem with any sort of soil drench you need to do, like if you're trying to aerate your soil and want to do an H202 drench.  This has been my biggest pet peeve with the wicking system, but ultimately, you can take your wick out of the reservoir, let the soil dry out a bit, and water regularly for these things.  Then when all the drenches are done and problems gone, throw the wick back in the reservoir.
• Better not be going on a really long trip, because that water doesn't stay fresh forever...Yes, you do have to change the water.  It will be obvious when you need to, but still.  A wicking system is very convenient, but it's not a miracle watering system where you can fill it up and then leave your plant to fend for itself.  This can be annoying for people who use distilled water only, because you'll be getting a good bit of distilled water.  Although I guess that's the same with regular watering...
• You can't dry out your soil.  This is kind of on the same lines as the first bullet, but once again, you can take the wick out of the reservoir to dry out soil.  It's not going to dry out instantly though, that rope has been filled with water for a while.

So that's pretty much it!  You can decide for yourself whether you'd like a wicking system for your plant, but in my case the pros outweigh the cons.  Of course, if you're growing outdoors, a wicking system isn't as useful.

[JustAnotherRegularGuy]

Nice report. Paradoxic should make you a contributer so this can go as an official guide. I like it.

JARG

[bifster]

Thanks Jarg!

[javagamer]

About the first con, is it possible to just keep a diluted solution of neem oil in the reservoir to prevent pests in the first place, or will the plant end up getting to much neem oil and react badly to it?

[JustAnotherRegularGuy]

Neem separates from the water very quickly. I would think that if you put Neem in the reservoir that in 1 minute it would all settle to the top and not get pulled through the wick. I would think it would stick to the wick, but not actually get pulled through it. I have not actually tried it, but I know how fast it separates in my gallon jugs. I have to constantly shake the bottle to keep it mixed up when watering my plants with it.

JARG

[darkshadow]

Neem separates from the water very quickly. I would think that if you put Neem in the reservoir that in 1 minute it would all settle to the top and not get pulled through the wick. I would think it would stick to the wick, but not actually get pulled through it. I have not actually tried it, but I know how fast it separates in my gallon jugs. I have to constantly shake the bottle to keep it mixed up when watering my plants with it.

JARG

what jarg said neem OIL hence the word OIL oil + water = separation

[bifster]

Yep, you're right on the dot JARG.  I have neem in the reservoir right now but it's just a big blob floating on top, although some has mixed into the water.  I don't know though, I've lost faith in all of these organic pest killers because nothing has worked for me.  I'm just hoping for the best but I know the pests aren't going to just disappear.  I'm hoping my plant will just be okay and I'll just have to deal with all those disgusting bugs using her pot as a home.

[lightbearer]

i've just put up a poster of a cactus spirit, and I try and remember to pray to it every day, and blow it a shotgun or two, and that's seemed to work. Although before I got my babies in their new home I found an eensy caterpillar on a leaf and I thought, meh, it's too tiny to eat anything noticable in amount, so I let it live. Lo and behold, the next day I came back to find it had chomped half of a leaf. It made me want to cry. I felt so betrayed...