Terracotta Watering Spikes
Terracotta Spikes, part of the Waterpot Olla range, for when the size of your plant container won't accommodate the traditional olla shape. Say goodbye to over- or underwatering - we are the home of Ollas in Australia!
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Features
How Ollas Work
Installation
For indoors or outside use, the Waterpot spikes are ideal for indoor plants that need a consistent water supply.
Simply insert, fill, invert.
The Waterpot Spike fits between your plant and the pot wall. Water seeps steadily through the semi-porous ceramic, slowly wicking into the soil below the surface.
At a glance, a low water level in the bottle tells you it’s time for a refill. These Spikes have been designed to accommodate smaller bottles to provide a discrete, elegant solution to watering your houseplants.
We've designed these spikes to be used primarily for indoor applications, however they can be used with equal success in pots outdoors where a bottle can be safely upended into the neck opening. (Please refer to the Word of Caution below if installing outdoors) We would recommend one spike per pot plant in the same way as you would use them indoors. Where larger pots are concerned, we recommend the use of the Waterpot ollas in the main range.
HOW PLANT WATERING SPIKES WORK
The Waterpot Spikes work on the olla principle where a low-fired terracotta vessel is buried in the ground and leaches water into the surrounding soil at the root level. More information can be found on our website The Science of Ollas Irrigation
YOU WILL NEED
1x long-necked glass bottle per spike 200ml - 360ml recommended. These are usually available as single-serve Tonic or Soda waters and other mixer drinks. Large bottles are often unstable in their necks and, if moved or bumped, may cause the collar to crack.
BEFORE PLANTING
Water your plant well before preparing to install the Waterpot Spike
Soak the Spike in water for an hour before burying it. Spike should be fully saturated. This saturation of the porous terracotta ensures the Spike will work quickly once it is in the soil.
STEP 1
Dig a hole in the soil before slotting the watering Spikes into the soil.
A Word On Soils- The effectiveness of Spikes may vary depending on the type of soil you are using. For example, clay soils may not allow water to permeate easily from the Spike to the surrounding soil or a chunkier style mix will not hold water well or allow wicking through the medium.. In such cases, you may need to amend the soil or adjust the pot placement to improve water distribution. Potting mix (which is different from garden soil!) will in most cases have enough organic material in it that will retain and aid the capillary motion of moisture through the mix).
Please do not attempt to push the Spike into your pot soil without preparing a hole as you are likely to damage it. We recommend using our Narrow Trowel for this purpose.
STEP 2
Insert the damp Spike into the wet soil with the open-top sitting flush with the soil level or leave the collar (where the logo is) above the soil. The more of the Spike buried, the less evaporation from the Spike surface will occur.
The deeper the Spike, the more stable it will be, the more moisture will get to the planting media as a larger surface will be in contact. Water travels through the soil on contact, so pack the soil around the Spike firmly.
STEP 3
Fill the Spike with water.
STEP 4
Half fill the long-necked bottle with water then flip it over into the Waterpot Spike opening.
TIP - cover the bottle's opening with two fingers when you
invert it to prevent too much spillage.
STEP 5
Remember to place the bottle straight upright. Do not have it tilted or slanted as this will not be stable and the bottle may tip over.
STEP 6
Check the bottle periodically to ensure they still have water.
You don’t need to take out the stake, just lift the bottle out and refill it when it is empty. If you have chosen not to use the inverted bottle method, be sure to check the Spike often for water.
Continue to water your plant at the surface until it has established a new watering routine, typically after around two weeks or when new growth appears.
Depending on the climate and the water needs of your plants, you may need to adjust the frequency of refilling the Spikes to ensure that the plants receive adequate moisture.
🔥Word of Caution 🔥
If using the Waterpot Spikes with bottles outdoors please use caution. It may sound like an urban myth, but it can and does happen that fires can be started. Fishbowls, glass beads and ornaments, jam-jars and even glass door-knobs have been implicated in focusing the sun's rays sufficiently to cause smouldering, which could be followed by a full-scale blaze. Up on The Rooftop accept no responsibility for how they are used in your garden.
VIDEOS
How Many Ollas or Spikes Do I Need?
What size and how many Waterpot Ollas will suit my garden?
Ollas come in several sizes, from our slender Terracotta Watering Spike sets to the 3-litre large Round Olla.
They have been designed to accommodate all growing situations needing watering, from raised and in-ground beds, rooftops, patios, decks and container/potted gardens to community gardens and urban farms. The applications are only limited by your imagination!
How far will the water disperse from the Olla?
The smaller the olla, the less distance the water will spread. In good-quality soils, expect the water to spread at least the width of the olla in all directions. Once the porous terracotta olla is in contact with the soil, water begins to seep into the surrounding soil, directly to the root zone of surrounding plants. The amount of water drawn from the olla varies depending on the soil moisture – dry soil will draw water faster; wet soil slows it down.
For example, if the olla’s maximum diameter is 20cm, moisture will reach the soil approximately 10cm away from the olla in every direction. This is not a precise measurement as much depends on the soil type, its consistency and water retentive attributes as to how far the moisture will capillary away from the olla.
When sowing seeds surface watering will be required regularly until they are established seedlings with established root systems.
How important is soil quality?
The type and composition of the soil used in conjunction with terracotta ollas can significantly influence their effectiveness. The soil's ability to retain and distribute moisture evenly is crucial for optimal plant growth. Well-draining soil is preferred, as it prevents waterlogging and ensures the roots have access to moisture and oxygen. Mixing organic matter such as compost can improve the soil's water-holding capacity.
Always plant in concentric circles around your Waterpot Olla.
Waterpot Large Round Olla - 3 Litres 16cm W x 23cm H
The Waterpot Large Round Olla covers a growing space up to 50cm to 80cm in diameter. It’s perfect for:
*Large Grow bags/garden beds of minimum 75L
* 1 for each 1m x 1m square of raised bed
* Large inground beds planted in frequencies of 60cm
Waterpot Small Round Olla - 1.25 Litres 12cm W x 18 cm H
The Waterpot Small Round Olla covers a growing space approximately up to 25cm to 50cm in diameter. It’s perfect for:
* Grow bags and pots of 30 Litres and above
*Planter boxes
* 60cm x 60cm wide raised beds
* Can be used in large areas but with more frequency. We would recommend the Waterpot Large Round Olla for this situation.
Waterpot Tall Olla or Waterpot Bird Olla - 1 Litres 10cm W x 26 cm H (Bird Topper is 6cm Tall)
The Tall and Bird Waterpot Ollas cover a growing space up to 2 feet in diameter 25cm in diameter. The taller length is perfect for narrow bags or pots and beds alike. In the latter, plant more frequently at up to 50cm frequencies. Perfect for:
* Grow bags and pots of 30 L and above
* Planter boxes
* Narrow trough-style pots
Terracotta Watering Spikes - 100 mls 4.5cm Diameter x 18cm Height
These are perfect for hydrating individual small plants, both indoors and outdoors. We recommend 1 per small pot or plant. Whilst we sell small flat lids for the Spikes, we strongly recommend that the inverted water bottle be used to keep the Spike full and at a glance, know when it needs to be filled.
What To Grow
Ollas work best with plants with adventitious root systems, which are fibrous root systems and above-ground leaves. The more roots in the subsoil, the better they'll grow and find the Waterpot olla water source.
Examples of such plants are tomatoes, peppers or capsicums, potatoes (and most nightshades), cucumbers, salad greens, kale, herbs, edible flowers, gourds, melons, squash, beans, peas, corn, flowering annuals, shrubs and fruit trees - this is not an exhaustive list by any means!
Plants with taproot systems (one primary root) like carrots, beetroots, radishes, parsnips are less likely to work with Ollas.
Ollas should not be used to sprout or germinate seeds. Seeds and young seedlings need to be surface watered until the root system has developed enough to reach the ollas for regular and efficient watering. This may take anywhere from 2 weeks to a couple of months. You will need to monitor this.
A thick layer of mulch placed on top of the soil is necessary to help regulate the temperature of the soil and minimise evaporation. How often you fill it depends on the plant (some plants are thirstier than others eg Tomatoes), the soil compostion and moisture levels, the weather and many other variables - just keep an eye on the water level every few days or week and the guesswork is taken away!
Measurement Guide
Waterpot Olla F.A.Q
Installation Instructions
Q: Do I plant inside the Waterpot Olla?
No. The Waterpot Olla is buried neck-deep and filled with water. Plant OUTSIDE and AROUND the pot.
Q: How frequently will I need to fill my Waterpot Ollas?
As with other irrigation systems, the frequency with which they need to be refilled will vary by site, but to guide you, consider your plant's specific water needs, garden soil type, time of year, and even the overall environment of your property.
Typically, ollas allow water to flow through them over 24 to 72 hours. It is recommended to check your Waterpot ollas every few days and fill them when the reservoir is below 50 per cent. This frequency helps reduce the likelihood of salt residue buildup over the surface, potentially reducing the seepage rate.
Q: Can I use the Waterpot Ollas to leach fertilisers to my plants?
We do not recommend using ollas to slowly fertilise your plants. Fertilisers can contain sediments and oils that may clog the micropores of the terracotta.
Every two weeks or so, when there has not been rain, give your potted plant with an olla a solid drenching to flush out any salts and toxin build-up and make any fertiliser in the potting mix available.
Q: How far does water dissipate from the Waterpot Olla?
Water will spread away from the olla for about as far as the largest radius of the olla. For example, if the olla’s maximum diameter is 20cm, moisture will reach soil 10cm away from the olla in every direction. This is not a precise measurement, as it depends on the type of soil, its consistency and its water-retentive attributes, as well as how far the moisture will wick away from the olla. When planting seeds, plant them within reach of water and surface-water the seeds until the seedlings are established.
The type and composition of the soil used in conjunction with terracotta ollas can significantly influence their effectiveness. The soil's ability to retain moisture and distribute it evenly is crucial for optimal plant growth. Well-draining soil is preferred, as it prevents waterlogging and ensures the roots have access to both moisture and oxygen. Additionally, incorporating organic matter, such as compost, can improve the soil's water-holding capacity.
Always try to plant in concentric circles around your Waterpot Olla, with plants with longer travelling roots such as Tomatoes a little further away and short-rooted such as lettuce and leafy greens closer to the olla.
Q: I am using the Waterpot Olla with veggies and herbs; are there heavy metals in the terracotta?
This is a complicated topic, as there are many heavy metals, some of which are harmful, and others that are not. We have samples from each shipment tested at an accredited Australian laboratory for heavy metals and arsenic before they are sold to you. This is not a requirement of any horticultural product on the market that we are aware of in any niche, but we have often been asked this question by our organic growers and those growing food for their families, and we ourselves want the assurance that our products are free of these toxic elements. Our Waterpot Olla range complies with British Standard BS6748 (Category 2) and is free of Lead, Cadmium and Arsenic.
Q: Why are Ollas an effective way to irrigate plants?
Plants utilise water based on a pressure gradient that develops as a result of transpiration. Water is taken up by the roots and pulled through the vascular system in response to evaporation through the stomata. Some of the external driving forces behind transpiration are temperature, wind, and light intensity. Since olla irrigation provides a consistent amount of water to the soil, plants within proximity to the vessel will always have access to the correct amount of water regardless of external factors, without danger of over- or under-watering. In fact, many roots will find their way to the source, encircling the olla itself, and taking water directly from the clay pot. Water is delivered to the root zone.
Q: How Many Waterpot Ollas do I need, and what size?
What size would suit my gardening situation? The container size will make a slight difference in certain situations. When choosing the plant container, be mindful that the Waterpot Olla's water content will transfer to the surrounding soil at a comparable rate, regardless of container size.
That said, our largest Waterpot Olla, the 3 Litre Round Waterpot, has the advantage of a larger reservoir, reducing the time you need to spend refilling it. This extra space also provides more exterior surface area for plant roots to adhere; however, the size of your plant container or raised garden bed will determine what you need.
Waterpot Ollas come in several different sizes, from our 6 Litre Extra Large Round Olla to our Terracotta Watering Spikes. They have been designed to accommodate all types of growing situations: raised beds, in-garden beds, rooftop gardens, container/potted gardens, community gardens, patios and decks, vegetable gardens or flower gardens. The applications are only limited by your imagination!
The smaller the olla, the less distance the water will spread. In good soils, expect the water to spread at least the width of the olla in all directions. Once the porous terracotta olla is in contact with the soil, water begins to seep into the surrounding soil, directly to the root zone of surrounding plants. The amount of water drawn from the olla varies depending on the soil moisture – dry soil will draw water faster; wet soil slows it down.
For example, if the olla’s maximum diameter is 20cm, moisture will reach soil 10cm away from the olla in every direction. This is not a precise measurement, as it depends on the type of soil, its consistency and water-retention properties, as well as how far moisture will wick away from the olla. When planting seeds, plant them within reach of water and surface-water the seeds until the seedlings are established.
The type and composition of the soil used in conjunction with terracotta ollas can significantly influence their effectiveness. The soil's ability to retain moisture and distribute it evenly is crucial for optimal plant growth. Well-draining soil is preferred, as it prevents waterlogging and ensures the roots have access to both moisture and oxygen. Additionally, incorporating organic matter, such as compost, can improve the soil's water-holding capacity.
Always try to plant in concentric circles around your Waterpot Olla, with the plants with longest roots at the outer perimeter and the shorter-rooted plants closer to the Waterpot Ollas
Waterpot Large Round Olla - 3 Litres 16cm W x 23cm H
The Waterpot Large Round Olla covers a growing space approximately up to 50cm to a 80cm in diameter. It’s perfect for:
*Large grow bags/garden beds of minimum 75L
* 1 for each 1m x 1m square of raised bed
* Large in-ground beds planted in frequencies of 60cm
Waterpot Small Round Olla - 1.25 Litres 12cm W x 18 cm H
The Waterpot Small Round Olla covers a growing space of approximately 25cm to 50cm in diameter. It’s perfect for:
* Grow bags and pots of 30 L and above
*Planter boxes
* 60cm x 60cm wide raised beds
* Can be used in large areas but with more frequency. We would recommend the Waterpot Large Round Olla for this situation.
Waterpot Tall Olla or Waterpot Bird Olla - 1 Litre 10 cm W x 26 cm H (Bird Topper is 6cm Tall)
The Tall and Bird Waterpot Ollas cover a growing space up to 2 feet in diameter 25cm in diameter. The taller length is perfect for narrow bags or pots and beds alike. In the latter, plant more frequently at intervals of up to 50 cm. Perfect for:
* Grow bags and pots of 22 L and above
* Planter boxes
* Narrow trough-style pots
Terracotta Watering Spikes - 100 mls 4.5cm W x 18cm H
These are perfect for hydrating individual small plants, both indoors and outdoors. We recommend 1 per small pot or plant. Whilst we sell small flat lids for the Spikes, we strongly recommend that the inverted water bottle be used to keep the Spike full and at a glance, know when it needs to be filled.
Q: What plants can I plant with the Waterpot Olla?
You can use the Waterpot Olla with any plant: vegetables and flowers, of course, but also trees and shrubs. Placing a Waterpot Olla near a new tree or shrub will help the plant through its first year. If you feel the root system is well developed after one year, dig the Waterpot Olla up and use it somewhere else. Your local nursery would know more about normal tree and shrub root growth. Keep in mind that woody roots from trees and shrubs are very strong and, over 2 or more years, could wrap around the pot and eventually crack it. Wisely use the Waterpot Olla to get these plants established, however long that takes, and then move it to another plant.
Plants best suited to Ollas have fine fibrous roots that travel towards water sources. Tubers such as dahlias or potatoes don’t benefit as much because their roots are short and are basically the tuber; however, water delivered via the olla still reaches the surrounding soil, so it can help tubers in a small, containered situation, and ollas can be used in close proximity to these.
Q: What effect do environmental factors have on the performance of the Olla?
The surrounding environment significantly affects the performance of self-watering terracotta spikes. Factors such as temperature, humidity, and sunlight exposure can influence the rates of evaporation and transpiration, directly affecting your plants' water requirements. Assess the environmental conditions in which your plants thrive and make any necessary adjustments to the self-watering system to accommodate them.
Q: Will my Waterpot Olla freeze?
It can happen! If you live in a climate with hard freezes lasting more than a week, you should lift the olla out of the soil in the winter and store it in a dry place. If you do not lift the olla, you can insulate it in a container with thick mulch and make sure the Waterpot Olla is dry in the winter.
Q: Do I need to water my new plants/seeds?
Yes, when seeds or young plants are put into the ground, they will need topical water until the roots are established enough to draw from the Waterpot Olla. After that, the Waterpot Olla will do all the work.
Q: How long will my Waterpot Olla last?
Your Waterpot Olla will last for years, with a little TLC. If leaves or light things fall into the olla, fill the olla with water and, as the item floats up, swish it out. If you and a lot of dirt has accidentally gotten in the Waterpot Olla (it happens), dig the Waterpot Olla up, tilt in on its side and spray the inside with your hose until the dirt washes out. You can clean your Waterpot Olla once it is removed from the soil with a 1:1 vinegar-to-water mixture. Pour water and vinegar into your Waterpot Olla and let it sit for a few hours. Use a scrub brush to gently remove debris from the exterior.
Q: Why are the Waterpot Ollas produced in China?
We have been asked why we do not produce in Australia. When we started, we sought an Australian pottery manufacturer but were unable to find one with the capacity, scalability, and consistent quality at an affordable price. There are many wonderful small potteries in Australia producing premium handmade vessels; however, with the exorbitant postal and warehousing charges within Australia, none could produce the type of product we required. We were forced to look abroad and found a small factory that matched our requirements, values and needs.
Since 2019, we have established a good relationship with our manufacturer and visited their head office and manufacturing site in the country in late 2020. We were satisfied with the employees' working conditions and their ability to support our growing business.
Q: Are Ollas a new invention?
No, they are an ancient low-tech device. There is evidence that ollas have been used for over 2000 years in the most arid of lands across the globe.
Using 50–70% less water, it is considerably better than drip irrigation and virtually eliminates surface runoff and evaporation.
Q: How do they work in the soil?
A terracotta olla is buried with only the top opening above the soil surface and filled with water. The porous walls of The Waterpot Olla allow for water to dissipate into the soil as needed. However, because the pores are tiny, water does not flow freely out of the pot.
Gently pack soil around the olla. Water will not disperse in air pockets and roots will not grow in air pockets. Use ollas in slightly sandy or coarse-textured soils. Soils with high clay content do not dissipate water well so we do not recommend them for very clayed soil.
The roots of nearby plants will grow towards and around the pot. The process works by soil moisture tension: the water is pulled out when the soil is dry. When the soil is moist, the water is slower to leave the Waterpot.
Olla irrigation promotes deep watering and dense root growth which facilitates more efficient nutrient and water uptake. Soil and roots do not go through extreme drying and wetting cycles, preventing bitter-tasting greens and cracks from developing in tomatoes or melons
The soil surface remains relatively dry in gardens with olla irrigation. This is something you need to get used to if you are used to wetting soil. This can prevent the growth of weeds and helps minimise some unwanted insect populations.
Q: How do I install my ollas?
STEP 1
Soak the Waterpot Olla in a tub of water for an hour to overnight so that the pores are completely saturated.
IN POTS: Situate the Waterpot in the middle or off-centre depending on what you are planting. Keep the Olla away from the edge by packing soil between the Olla and the edge.
STEP 2
Plant seedlings around the Waterpot, or, if planting a shrub, place the shrub in the centre and the pot to the side. In garden beds, plant seedlings in radiating circles.
Like most things in nature, Waterpot Ollas don’t have hard edges or corners–they are beautifully round.
That means you should plant around your Waterpot Olla in a circular configuration to maximise the olla's watering capacity. Think in concentric circles rather than uniform rows.
The basic rule of thumb when planting around your Waterpot Olla is to plant your thirsty drinkers to the centre or closer to the olla and the lighter-drinking, more drought-tolerant plants to the outside. Also, longer, more creeping root systems are more able to travel through the soil to reach the water in the olla, while the shorter rooted plants need to be closer to reach and get what they need. Because of the watering efficiencies of Waterpot Ollas in raised beds and containers, inter-cropping and growing up (trellis) is encouraged and can provide a high success rate.
STEP 3
When planting is complete, fill the Waterpot olla with water and water in your plants well with a hose or watering can. Keep regular surface watering for at least 2 weeks, or until the roots have settled.
STEP 4
Apply a thin layer of mulch of your choice, e.g. sugar cane mulch, and DON’T FORGET to check the water level and try not to let it fall below halfway to prevent mineral build-up up
OTHER TIPS
- Bury the Waterpot, leaving the neck above the soil surface to prevent dirt and mulch from washing in. Next, gently pack soil around The Waterpot Olla.
- Plants or seedlings around The Waterpot Olla should be placed approximately 30cm from the Olla, although this will depend on the plant's roots. Plant short-rooted seedlings closer to the olla, e. g. lettuce, and ones with longer roots that will grow towards the water source further away.
- Place the Waterpots approximately every 30- 60 cm in your garden for maximum impact. This may take some experimentation to find the best distance apart. The closer the units are, the more water is available for your plants.
- Use The Waterpots in planter containers at least 40 cm in diameter
- Check the water level frequently and refill to keep the plants hydrated and prevent mineral buildup. The frequency depends upon the soil type, surrounding plant density, and weather. At times, it may need refilling every 7 days or as often as every other day.
- The lid over the opening will minimise evaporation, prevent mosquitoes from breeding and slugs from entering.
- Use The Waterpot in slightly sandy or coarse textured soils. Soils with high clay content do not dissipate water
- Continue to surface water the young plants for at least two weeks after planting until established. You may need to continue this until the plants' roots have established and found the water source.
- Plants with taproot systems, such as carrots, radishes, and parsnips, are less likely to work with Ollas. Ollas should not be used to sprout or germinate seeds. Seeds and young seedlings need to be surface-watered until their root systems have developed enough to reach the ollas for regular, efficient watering. You will need to monitor this.
- Your Waterpot can remain in situ for many seasons and can be cleaned when you re-pot or change over the plantings. See below for cleaning instructions.
Q: Can I use my Waterpot Olla to fertilise my plants?
The tight pores of the terracotta will act as a filter for any larger particles and could clog, SO WE DO NOT RECOMMEND IT. Potted plants in particular benefit from watered-in soluble fertilisers.
When you plant in your garden, the root systems have space to spread out. They have a lot of access to any water and fertiliser that is in your soil. Occasional fertilising for plants in gardens is usually all they need. When these same plants are in a container, they have a lot less root space. They can only pick up water and nutrients from the confined space of the pot. Hence soluble fertilisers are the best option for potted plants.
Q: Is there any special treatment for the Waterpot Olla?
If you live in a frost, snow or ice prone area, it is recommended that you dig up the pots at the end of the growing season to prevent breakage over cold winter months; or if a container garden, you move the containers to protected spaces.
When turning over your soil at the end of a growing season, clean off any clinging roots and scrub to remove any salt or soil build-up to free the pores of the Waterpot If you have a high mineral content in your soil, a solution of 1:1 vinegar and water left inside the vessel for a few hours will help dissolve the mineral build-up
Watch the video -
How does a Waterpot Olla Work?
How To Clean Your Waterpot Olla
Do I plant inside the Waterpot Olla?
No. The Waterpot Olla is buried neck deep and filled with water. Plant OUTSIDE and AROUND the pot.
How do I bury my Waterpot Olla?
Bury the Waterpot with enough of the neck exposed so that soil and mulch do not wash into the pot. Ollas should be buried about 60cm apart.Dig a hole that is about twice the size of the olla itself. Ollas should be completely buried below the surface except for the opening at the top andabout one inch of the neck. Ollas should never be less than half full, or water will not seep out into the soil.
How far does water dissipate from the Waterpot Olla?
Water will spread away from the olla for about as far as the largest radius of the olla. For example, if the olla’s maximum diameter is 20cm, moisture will reach soil 10cm away from the olla in every direction. This is not a precise measurement as much depends on the type of soil, its consistency and water retentive attributes as to how far the moisture will capillary away from the olla. When planting seeds, plant them within the reach of the water and surface water the seeds until the seedlings are established as seedlings.
The type and composition of the soil used in conjunction with terracotta ollas can significantly influence their effectiveness. The soil's ability to retain moisture and distribute it evenly is crucial for optimal plant growth. Well-draining soil is preferred, as it prevents waterlogging and ensures the roots have access to both moisture and oxygen. Additionally, mixing organic matter such as compost can improve the soil's water-holding capacity.
What plants can plant with the Waterpot Olla?
You can use the Waterpot Ollawith any plant: vegetables and flowers, of course, but also trees and shrubs. Putting anWaterpot Ollaby a new tree or shrub will help get the plant through that first year. If you feel the root system is well developed after one year, dig theWaterpot Ollaup and use it somewhere else. Your local nursery would know more about normal tree and shrub root growth. Keep in mind that woody roots from trees and shrubs are very strong and over 2 or more years could wrap around the eventually crack it. Wisely use theWaterpot Ollato get these plants established, however long that takes, and then move theWaterpot Ollato use on another plant.
What effect does environmental factors have on the performance of the Olla?
The surrounding environment greatly affects the performance of self-watering terracotta spikes. Factors such as temperature, humidity, and sunlight exposure can influence the rate of evaporation and transpiration, directly impacting the water requirements of your plants. Assess the environmental conditions in which your plants thrive and make necessary adjustments to the self-watering system to accommodate these factors.
Will my Waterpot Olla freeze?
It can happen! If you live in a climate that has hard freezes for more than a week, you should lift the olla out of the soil in the winter and store it in a dry place. If you live where snow and dusting mean the same, or where frost frolics with ice crystals, but that’s it, then theWaterpot Ollamay be one in the ground year around. No matter what you choose to do, make sure theWaterpot Ollais dry in the winter. We advise you err on the side of caution.
Do I need to water my new plants/seeds?
Yes, when seeds or young plants are put into the ground, they will need topical water until the roots are established enough to draw from the Waterpot Olla. After that, the Waterpot Olla will do all the work.
How long will my Waterpot Olla last?
Your Waterpot Ollawill last for years, with a little TLC. If leaves or light things fall into the olla, all the olla with water and as the item floats up, swish it out. If you and a lot of dirt has accidentally gotten in theWaterpot Olla(it happens), dig theWaterpot Ollaup, tilt in on its side and spray the inside with your hose until the dirt washes out. You can clean yourWaterpot Ollawith a 1:1 mixture of vinegar and water if your water is full of minerals. Pour one gallon of water AND one gallon of vinegar in yourWaterpot Olla and let it sit for a few hours. Use a scrub brush for removing debris on the outside. First, remove theWaterpot Olla from the ground if using a vinegar cleaning.
Why are the Waterpot Ollas produced in China?
We have been asked why we do not produce in Australia. When we started, we sought out an Australian pottery manufacturer and were unable to find a factory with the capacity, ability to scale, and consistency of quality at an affordable price. There are many wonderful small potteries in Australia producing premium hand made vessels however, with the exorbitant postal charges within Australia, none could produce the type of product we required. We were forced to look abroad and found a small factory that matched our requirements, values and needs.
Since 2019 we have established a good relationship with our manufacturer and visited their head office and manufacturing site in the country in late 2020, to show our confidence and desire to develop the partnership. We were satisfied with the working conditions of the employees and their ability to support our growing business.
How do you use Waterpot spikes?
For indoors or outside use, the Waterpot spikes are ideal for indoor plants that need a consistent water supply.
Simply insert, fill, invert.
The Waterpot Spike fits between your plant and the pot wall. Water seeps steadily through the semi-porous ceramic, slowly wicking into the soil below the surface.
At a glance, a low water level in the bottle tells you it’s time for a refill. These Spikes have been designed to accommodate smaller bottles to provide a discrete, elegant solution to watering your houseplants.
We've designed these spikes to be used primarily for indoor applications, however they can be used with equal success in pots outdoors where a bottle can be safely upended into the neck opening. (Please refer to the Word of Caution below if installing outdoors) We would recommend one spike per pot plant in the same way as you would use them indoors. Where larger pots are concerned, we recommend the use of the Waterpot ollas in the main range.
HOW PLANT WATERING SPIKES WORK
The Waterpot Spikes work on the olla principle where a low-fired terracotta vessel is buried in the ground and leaches water into the surrounding soil at the root level. More information can be found on our website The Science of Ollas Irrigation
YOU WILL NEED
1x long-necked glass bottle per spike 200ml - 360ml recommended. These are usually available as single-serve Tonic or Soda waters and other mixer drinks. Large bottles are often unstable in their necks and, if moved or bumped, may cause the collar to crack.
BEFORE PLANTING
Water your plant well before preparing to install the Waterpot Spike
Soak the Spike in water for an hour before burying it. Spike should be fully saturated. This saturation of the porous terracotta ensures the Spike will work quickly once it is in the soil.
STEP 1
Dig a hole in the soil before slotting the watering Spikes into the soil.
A Word On Soils- The effectiveness of Spikes may vary depending on the type of soil you are using. For example, clay soils may not allow water to permeate easily from the Spike to the surrounding soil or a chunkier style mix will not hold water well or allow wicking through the medium.. In such cases, you may need to amend the soil or adjust the pot placement to improve water distribution. Potting mix (which is different from garden soil!) will in most cases have enough organic material in it that will retain and aid the capillary motion of moisture through the mix).
Please do not attempt to push the Spike into your pot soil without preparing a hole as you are likely to damage it. We recommend using our Narrow Trowel for this purpose.
STEP 2
Insert the damp Spike into the wet soil with the open-top sitting flush with the soil level or leave the collar (where the logo is) above the soil. The more of the Spike buried, the less evaporation from the Spike surface will occur.
The deeper the Spike, the more stable it will be, the more moisture will get to the planting media as a larger surface will be in contact. Water travels through the soil on contact, so pack the soil around the Spike firmly.
STEP 3
Fill the Spike with water.
STEP 4
Half fill the long-necked bottle with water then flip it over into the Waterpot Spike opening.
TIP - cover the bottle's opening with two fingers when you
invert it to prevent too much spillage.
STEP 5
Remember to place the bottle straight upright. Do not have it tilted or slanted as this will not be stable and the bottle may tip over.
STEP 6
Check the bottle periodically to ensure they still have water.
You don’t need to take out the stake, just lift the bottle out and refill it when it is empty. If you have chosen not to use the inverted bottle method, be sure to check the Spike often for water.
Continue to water your plant at the surface until it has established a new watering routine, typically after around two weeks or when new growth appears.
Depending on the climate and the water needs of your plants, you may need to adjust the frequency of refilling the Spikes to ensure that the plants receive adequate moisture.
🔥Word of Caution 🔥
If using the Waterpot Spikes with bottles outdoors please use caution. It may sound like an urban myth, but it can and does happen that fires can be started. Fishbowls, glass beads and ornaments, jam-jars and even glass door-knobs have been implicated in focusing the sun's rays sufficiently to cause smouldering, which could be followed by a full-scale blaze. Up on The Rooftop accept no responsibility for how they are used in your garden.
VIDEOS
Water Efficient
Sustainable Gardening
Small Spaces
HOW TO USE OUR OLLA WATERPOTS
Equipped with the knowledge that we are facing a dry summer. My garden is ready to face it with my terracotta watering spikes. I have so enjoyed up cycling some beautiful old bottles to assist with providing the correct balance of water for many of my pot plants. This reduces the need for me to water them, freeing up more time for me to simply just enjoy my garden. A fantastic eco friendly system that will last for ever.
I love these, I indulged and bought the sweet little butterfly toppers and not only are some of my more precious plants getting the water they need which stops me having to water every day but every time I see them they make me smile.
I have a sunny covered patio with many differing sized ann materials of pots . I struggle to get the watering right. These spikes have suddenly shown me what is underwatered and what needs to be left alone. Here’s to understanding and happy plants!
I had to leave my home in the care of my brother recently as I was cat sitting and I was concerned for my hydrangeas so I purchased these to help in case he forgot to water them daily.
These have helped a LOT! I only have to drop in weekly to check his work haha.
These needed to be topped up a few times by neighbour while I was away for 3 weeks but plants did thrive and less effort than a daily water. Where they are really useful is in making sure plants get right amount of water as they need it when I am home and with the 1.1 litre bottles I use I am estimating only 1 refill in 7-10 days during Autumn in Central Queensland.
I live in dry SA, and my herbs dry out very quickly. So these spikes are perfect! I use wine bottles in areas protected from the wind. Niw i have fresh herbs all the time with much less watering
I am using these in my herb garden, hoping they will help with summer ahead. With a few weeks use my plants are greener and bigger than they have ever been.
Ella's and Grow Bags ... simply a fantastic combo ...
I never was a happy gardener on level grounds ... just didn't work for me ... and then just by chance I had to research other possibilities for someone else ... and there was Up on the RoofTop ...
This is my 2nd season growing ... wasn't successful with Tomatoes though last season, won't try again ... other grower's were neither ....
But other veg grew lovely, beans and eggplant in particular ... and well ... cucumber and pumpkin were hard to stop ... and filling up the Olla's only I guess helped a lot ... no more guessing how much water ... just fill the Olla ... and below my new season growth ...
Hello Urs! Lovely to hear from you. So good to see how your garden is growing. Tomatoes are generally not difficult to grow but do have certain requirements and the major one (apart from great nutirent dense soil) is water. They are very thirsty platns particularly when fruiting and do not like irregular watering. This is where the Ollas work perfectly to keep the hydration regular. This will also help to prevent Blossom End Rot which is linked to irregular water causing Calcium intake issues. We have a Blog on the website that might help you - I'd encourage you to try again, after looking at the blog and seeing what their requirements are and selecting a variety that suits your microclimate and comditions . Happy gardening to you Urs! BLOG here https://www.upontherooftop.com.au/blogs/whats-going-on-up-on-the-rooftop/growing-tomatoes-in-a-small-space
Brilliant devices. When I can afford I would luke to purchase more. I soaked them in water over night before use. I have noticed an immediate difference in two tea roses that were struggling despite the water I was pouring on them.
Same for two dwarf cumsuat trees that are in very large pots. Often not looking best despite water in the saucers. None of that with spikes. I love that refilling is determined by how much the plant has taken.
I have used glass corona bottles rather than plastic as we get very strong easterlies.
Very happy thus far. Brilliant system of watering
These mini ollas are perfect for my raised beds and larger pots. Love that they have no nasties in them, and that they can be topped with the little bird toppers
As a newbie to all things green, I am pretty chuffed at seeing new shoots on a neglected plant that someone gave me. I can’t remember how I came across the Up On The Roof and their terracotta spikes but I’m loving the materiality of them - and the whole grow bag/watering spikes set up. Makes sense and easy to use. Time for a refill :)
These work so well. I’ve put a plastic drinking bottle on top so I don’t have to water to fill too often
These spikes are amazing! I can see at a glance which ones need topping up. I love checking on them each morning. The soil is always lovely & moist & the plants are very happy. Well worth the money spent & very economical with water.
I love the idea and the look of the Terracotta watering spikes. Unfortunately they didn’t work for my situation, but the crew at On the Rooftop were right onto it and helped me out with a refund right away.
I have used these to maintain moisture in my tomato and eggplant pots. No need for any reservoir underneath to wick up to the roots and soil. When half grown, and very hot, a 750ml bottle is used up by the plant in 3-4 days. I don't overwater and underwater. Peace of mind.
This spike is a big fav, I can see when the water level has gone down too far, and top the bottles up, despite the spike only using a small area in the pot the soil seems to remain beautifully moist, I have used other ‘spike’ systems, but this is far superior and well worth the money,Marg
I’ve been using Up on the spikes, ollas and root bags for over a year now in the planters on my balcony garden and they are so fantastic, much better even than self watering planters. They keep water going to the plants when the plants want them and are quick and easy to fill up. My partner also doesn’t need detailed instructions now about how to water my plants when I’m away! These really saved my plants last summer on the hot balcony. Great colours and designs on the toppers too, which make the garden interesting. I’m slowly putting them in all my pots, even indoors, and will be buying more soon!
As someone who loves the idea of gardening/caring for plants but is a chronic over/underwater-er (and therefore killer) of plants, these spikes and the 1L Ollas have been an absolute game changer for me. My inside plants showed a notable difference within 36hrs and my previously seemingly dead lemon tree is now sprouting new branches and leaves like there’s no tomorrow. Simply put - they’ve made caring for plants not only fool proof (I can just actually *see* when I need to top up a plants water) but also inspiring. I’m now busy thinking about what else I might try and grow because of “up on the rooftopâ€products. I’ve recommended them to all who ask (and those who haven’t!). Thanks Wendy and the Team!
The package arrived really quickly and was packed really sturdily. The ollas were perfect. I dug a hole in existing pots and they slipped in easily. Watering is a breeze, have to top up everyday but water usage on these pots is significantly reduced
I’m using these watering spikes in my tomato pots and they are going really well, getting the right amount of water directly to the roots. Zero sign of tomato diseases that can occur with overhead watering. Very happy!
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Send an email to info@upontherooftop.com.au, and we will see if changes are possible if your order has not proceeded to fulfilment. Please do not place two orders expecting them to be automatically combined.
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We generally only offer standard post however, if you nevertheless require Express post please send us an email and we will invoice you the postal charge prior to fulfillment.
Why we generally don't have sales
Click Frenzy! Single’s Day! Black Friday! Cyber Monday etc! Why will you not receive an enticing email at during those times?
You know that famliar cycle of annual sales - it’s the exhausting time of year where your inbox fills with sale offers, social advertisements offering discounts and SALE is the most popular 4-letter word. Despite the retail pressure, as a brand we are committed to rarely going on sale and we’d like to take a moment to explain why.
Integral to our business are the values of authenticity and sincerity. Authenticity to us means being transparent in what we communicate and always looking for opportunities where we can improve. We always try to do what feels right as a brand and in line with our values. Kindness means treating everyone with understanding and respect, from our suppliers to our customer and everyone in between.
With these ideals in mind, first, we want to ensure that we can offer ALL of our customers the lowest possible price all year round. To do so, we design, produce, and price our products to their true value and we do not price our products to go on sale. Besides guaranteeing fairness for all our customers, it also helps us ensure that we are paying our suppliers fair and living wages.
We think that there is nothing more frustrating (in retail) than when you buy something and then see it on sale 2 weeks later! We don’t want our community to feel that buyer's remorse, so we try to keep it consistent for everyone, year round.
Additionally, the past few years have been very challenging for small businesses and you will have read that many businesses, both bricks and mortar and online, have closed their doors due to staffing issues and spiralling costs that are beyond a small businesses' ability to recoup and make a profit to make it worthwhile. Price increases are the only way for many to survive the escalating operating costs. We too have had to dig deep to try to make ends meet and yet not compromise any of the quality of our products or service. To partake in endless "SALES" cycles means we simply don't have fat in the system to weather the increases elsewhere in the accounts.
Our sales are usually to clear slow moving lines, promote an aspect of gardening or celebrate an event, or to clear some space in the warehouse.
We have created or insist that all our products are high-quality items that will work as expected season on season, year on year and we stand behind every item sent out. We check every order as thoroughly as a busy fulfillment process can allow and if there is a problem, we invite customers to let us know..."don't be sad or mad".
