Why you should invest in a Planttubby

Standard pots have a major design flaw. The “Straight-Through” effect. When you water from the top, gravity pulls it straight down out the bottom. It carries those nutrients right along with it. There has to be a better way to keep the moisture where it belongs – inside the pot.

Introducing PLANTTUBBY- A ready to plant self-watering bucket (20L).

Planttubby uses a wicking system that distributes the right amount of water to keep the potting mix at a consistent moisture level.

This ensures that your plant is not overwatered during – or dries out between watering sessions, creating the perfect conditions for a healthier root system. The reservoir section prevents water from flowing away, and the lid keeps the moisture inside for longer. This saves water and also stores some water for when you are away.

The core appeal of Planttubby (and similar sub-irrigation planters) is that they effectively remove the “guesswork” and daily chore of watering, making them a favorite for both novice gardeners and busy commercial spaces.

Keeping an eye on each plant can be super time-consuming and stressful, especially if you have more than one. And given that the watering needs of plants vary according to seasonality, weather, the state of the potting soil, the size of the plant, and the plant’s stage of growth, a one-size fits all approach can be really risky. 

In contrast, with self-watering plants, there’s no need to try and monitor the soil or constantly make sure you’re supplying the right amount of water. Your plant simply gets the amount of water it needs, when it needs it, so you never have to worry about over- or under-watering. With self-watering pots, the soil is consistently kept moist, since the water gets delivered from the reservoir at the same rate that the plants use it. Additionally, with self-watering pots, you can rest assured that your plants are getting the water they need even while you are away from home or extra busy.

Here are 8 reasons why you should invest in a Planttubby:

1. Ready to plant

Planttubby includes potting mix and is ready for you to add your plant and water to it.

2. Drastic water conservation

South Africa is a water-scarce country. Unlike traditional pots where water evaporates from the soil surface or drains out the bottom, Planttubby uses a closed reservoir. Planttubby can therefore reduce water usage by up to 60%, while all the water in the reservoir is delivered directly to the roots where it’s needed most.

3. No dry periods between watering sessions

Dry periods between waterings can cause permanent damage and stress to the plant. Plants in standard pots can wilt within hours. Planttubby provides a consistent moisture buffer. The “wicking” action ensures that even in peak heat, your plants have a steady supply of hydration to stay cool and turgid.

4. Nutrient retention

In standard pots, every time you water from the top, essential nutrients are washed out through the drainage holes (leaching). In a Planttubby, the water stays within the system, keeping the fertilizer and minerals trapped in the soil for the plant to use, leading to more vibrant growth.

5. Prevents “holiday anxiety”

Whether you’re heading to the coast for December or away for a long weekend, you won’t need to beg a neighbor to water your plants. Planttubby can keep most plants happy for 7 to 14 days, giving you total freedom to travel.

6. Healthier root systems

Planttubby encourage roots to grow deep and strong as they reach down toward the water source at the bottom. This is the opposite of top-watering, which often only dampens the top layer of soil and leads to shallow, weak roots that are easily damaged by heat.

7. No more overwatering or underwatering 

Planttubby is designed to virtually eliminate the common problems of overwatering and underwatering by providing a consistent, self-regulating moisture supply to plants. The plant absorbs water from a built-in reservoir as needed, rather than a person guessing how much to pour from the top.

8. Ideal for Urban & Small Spaces

For those living in apartments with small balconies, Planttubby are a game-changer. They are mess-free (no muddy water leaking onto your balcony floor) and allow you to grow high-yield crops like tomatoes, peppers, and herbs in a very small footprint. They are also ideal for hospitality & wellness Spaces such as Spas, lodges, boutique hotels offering herbal teas, treatments, or farm-to-table dining.  

Some of our initial “test Planttubbies” are properly maintained and soil added through the top hole as need be. They are still functional and in use with their initial soil and setup for over 5 years now.

Watch a short video why Planttubby	Click here to watch
Watch a short marketing video	Click here to watch