Automatic irrigation system in "smart pots"

The use of smart pots makes it easier to care for indoor plants, allowing the owner more free time. At the same time, the risk of overfilling or underfilling the flower is reduced several times.

Smart pot device

What is a smart pot? This name was given to containers for indoor flowers and other plants with an automatic watering system.

There are several types that differ in design:

• a flowerpot with a double bottom;
• complexes for plants with programmed automatic watering;
• smart flower pot;
• musical pot.

A double bottom container consists of a pot in which a houseplant is planted and a water tank. There are holes at the bottom of the pot through which water saturates a special substrate (expanded clay). The pot is placed in a water tank. Thus, the plant absorbs as much water as it needs. Such tanks are equipped with special floats that indicate the water level.

The inventors did not stop there and developed a computer-controlled automatic irrigation system. The program is customizable for each flower. The plant cartridge has a built-in unit that controls irrigation upon a signal from the control unit. This “smart” system keeps flower care to a minimum.

The subtleties of using autowatering

After planting a plant in a double pot with a reservoir, you should not immediately pour water. First, water the flower in the traditional way so that all the soil gets wet and sags. This will allow the roots to survive the transplant painlessly. Much depends on the size of the pot and the size of the roots.

It is necessary to carry out top watering for two to three months in the following cases:

• if the capacity is too large;
• if the transplant into the "smart pot" was carried out on the eve of autumn or winter.

After three months, you can switch to automatic watering. In the hot season, water is poured two to three days after transplanting.

The float is marked with MAX and MIN. Water is poured into the tank up to the maximum mark through a special hole. The float lowering speed depends on many factors:

• from the season;
• the temperature and humidity in the room;
• from the state of the root system;
• how quickly the flower absorbs water.

After lowering the float to the minimum mark, there is no need to rush to add water to the tank. It takes time for the earth to dry out. How to tell if a plant needs watering? First, the bottom of the float must be dry. Secondly, a wooden stick, stuck into the ground, must be dry, without adhering soil. The tank can now be filled with water.

Advice

If the plant is slowly "drinking" the water, then you can fill the tank to half.

Novelties of modern floriculture

Growing indoor flowers and plants in the garden is now becoming a pleasure that does not require daily care and monitoring of their condition. The computerization of our lives has reached the point of caring for plants. Well-known firms have created a "smart pot" controlled by a computer.

• Smart flower pot

Xiaomi has developed the Smart Flower Pot. The presence of special built-in sensors allows you to have information about the state of the flower on the LED indicator. Also, information via Bluetooth 4.0 can be transmitted to smartphones or tablets with Android or iOS. It is powered by a battery that is charged via a microUSB cable.

• Autonomous autowatering system

The Parrot Pot self-irrigation smart pot allows you to monitor plant health using up to four sensors.Watering is carried out according to the plant development program, depending on the season and air temperature, soil moisture. The system transmits information about the condition of the flower to the owner, giving recommendations for care. Information is transmitted using Bluetooth technology. Batteries are installed to power the control unit. If the charge ends and it is necessary to replace them, a message is sent to the owner's device.

• Smart Music FlowerPot

Smart Music FlowerPot lets you enjoy music after touching the leaves of the plant. Special sensors react to touching a flower, accompanying them with a melody that differs from which part of the plant you touch.

Such an invention not only entertains the owner, but, according to many gardeners, contributes to the development of a green friend. After all, plants “feel” the music, and pleasant melodies contribute to their comfort.

Conclusion

"Smart flower pots" not only minimize the time required for leaving, but also allow owners to leave the house, go on vacation or a business trip, without worrying that the flowers will disappear or dry out. Pots with automatic watering are relevant for offices where weekends and holidays put the survival of flowers at risk. An autowatering system with a control unit will ensure watering of plants in the country, even if you rarely visit it. If there are problems with flowers, the computer will send you a notification, which allows you to correct the situation in time and admire the well-groomed green flower garden every time you visit the cottage.