My house plants always seem to have a mind of their own. Either they are drowning in water or they are begging for a drink when I forget to check on them for a week.
I found these Pink Tulip Plant Watering Balls on AliExpress a while back and decided to give them a shot. They looked cute enough to leave on the counter, and I figured they might stop my ferns from turning crispy.
What are these tulip waterers
These are essentially glass or plastic bulbs shaped like tulips that you fill with water and stick into your soil. The idea is that the plant pulls water out only when the dirt gets dry.
They are very budget-friendly compared to the fancy drip systems you see at big garden stores. Most listings come with free shipping, which is a major win since they are fairly lightweight.
How they actually work
You fill the bulb up at the sink and then push the stem deep into the soil. It takes a little practice to get the angle right so the water doesn't just dump out all at once.
Once they are buried, they act like a little reservoir for your plant. My spider plants seem much happier now that they have a steady supply of moisture throughout the week.
They also add a nice pop of color to the pots. Even when they are empty, the pink tulip design looks like a garden decoration rather than a piece of plumbing.
Pros and Cons
I have used these for a few months now, and I have gathered some honest thoughts. Here is what you should know before you click buy.
- They look adorable and add a nice touch to any room.
- The price is very low and shipping is usually free.
- They actually keep soil moist for several days.
- The glass can be fragile, so be careful when handling them.
- They clog easily if you do not clean the stems regularly.
- Shipping from overseas can take three or four weeks.
- There is no local warranty if one arrives broken in the mail.
Who should buy these
These are perfect for people who travel for a few days at a time or just have a bad habit of forgetting their plants. If you have a small apartment garden, they are a great way to keep everything alive without setting up a complicated irrigation system.
You should probably skip these if you have huge outdoor gardens or very large potted trees. They just do not hold enough water for big plants. They also might not be the right choice if you have curious pets who like to knock over anything sticking out of a plant pot.
What other buyers say
I checked the reviews on the site before I bought mine, and most people seem to be on the same page. One buyer mentioned that they were perfect for her vacation because her herbs didn't die while she was gone for a week.
Another person noted that you have to be careful when pushing them into hard, dry soil. If you force them, the glass stem can snap. Everyone seems to agree that they look much better than the ugly plastic spikes you find at home improvement stores.
Final verdict
Are these bulbs going to replace a professional watering system? No. They are simple, decorative tools that get the job done for the average houseplant owner.
For the price, I think they are a smart buy. Just keep in mind that they are a bit delicate and you have to wait a while for them to arrive in the mail. If you want a cheap, pretty way to stop killing your plants, these tulips are a solid choice.
