Water balls are a useful tool for providing water to your potted plants while on vacation. Alternatively, they can always be used to reduce how often you have to manually water your plants. But before installing a water balloon, you really want to know how long it will last.
How long do water balls last? Water bulbs typically last 7-14 days depending on the size of the bulb, the size of the opening, the soil they are placed in and the plant being watered. There are a number of varieties of water bulbs, which will affect how long you water your plants.
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Do water balls really work?
Yes, water balloons really work, but looking at them might make you wonder how. Sprinkler globes, water globes or sprinkler spikes as some call them, are blown glass spheres with long thin necks.
The water from the bulbs is slowly released into the soil, providing your plants with a constant supply of water over time. They are quick and easy to set up and are ideal for indoor potted plants which dry out easily if left without water for more than a few days.
While there are many options for controlling the watering of your potted plants, bulb watering is one of the cheapest and easiest to use. I’ve used them with great success for trips of up to three weeks and have always come back to live plants, although not always perfect.
How does a water balloon work?
A water balloon works by providing a slow, steady supply of water to your plants. Limit the ability of water to escape from the balloon by using a small opening to allow water to escape.
To use a water balloon, fill it with water and turn it upside down, gently pushing the long, thin neck of the balloon toward the ground. Initially, a small amount of water will escape from the neck of the sphere, but then two processes will limit the rate at which the sphere deflates.
First, the physical presence of soil at the entrance to the opening will limit the rate at which water can exit the irrigation bulb.
Second, the water coming out of the bulb will prevent air from entering the neck of the bulb. If air can’t get in to displace the water, the water won’t be able to get out because a weak vacuum forms.
Once the soil around the bulb neck is dry, air can enter the bulb and displace a small amount of water, until equilibrium is restored.
This process limits the rate at which the world empties. While the drain rate depends on many factors, including the type of soil in the pot, the plant’s water needs, and the ambient temperature, it’s reasonable to expect a watering can to last 1 to 2 weeks if used correctly.
Although I have taken trips of up to 3 weeks using a water balloon for my potted houseplants, I do so knowing that the water will likely run out in about two weeks. However, I know from experience that my plants can go without water for about a week and still be in reasonable condition when they return.
What is a water balloon?
A water sphere is another name for a water sphere. There are several different manufacturers and some variations in its naming.
There are also a number of different varieties that use the same idea as a water balloon to water your plants.
Some products use the typical crystal ball with a long, thin neck.
Others are removable studs with a threaded reservoir. These can make it easier to refill water when empty.
Other variants simply offer nail and screw fixing so you can use your own plastic or glass bottle as a reservoir. Although they aren’t as pretty to look at, they work well if you’re just looking for functionality and give you a bit more flexibility in deciding what size tank you use.
What are the benefits of water balls?
It’s not hard to see the benefits of water balloons. They are cheap and look very attractive. Many people have commented on my water balls. Some people are confused by what they are and how they work and some people just think they look great.
Using a water balloon is very easy and quick, so when you go on vacation, it’s a job you can do quickly and easily and it won’t be a big job.
You do not need to move your potted plants from their normal position to use a water balloon. You don’t need to connect the irrigation bulb to an external water supply and there are no complicated electronics or controls. They just use physics to slowly release water into your plants over time.
What are the disadvantages of throwing balls?
There are a few negatives about watering globes that you should be aware of. I don’t think any of these make globe watering a bad option, but it will come down to your individual needs and preferences.
The rate at which a water balloon releases its water is variable and you may not be able to control it completely. I hear people having an empty balloon after 2 days! Mine usually last 1-2 weeks, but that’s still quite variable and can mean the difference between live and dead plants when you return from your trip.
There are a few tricks to getting them to work reliably, so as long as you set them up correctly, they shouldn’t run out in a week. It’s a good idea to test it a few times while you’re not on vacation to get a good idea of if it will last long enough.
My best advice if you find your water balloon empty after a few days is to water your plant well before planting the water balloon in the ground. This seems to avoid issues with blisters flattening faster than they should.
Another disadvantage is that they are delicate. They are in blown glass and the neck is long, thin and fragile. It doesn’t take much to crack or break one, so be careful when filling it up and placing it on the ground.
The other issue I’ve had is that the opening in the neck of water balloons can be quite variable in size and those with very narrow openings can be a bit tricky and slow to fill.
How to prevent the shower from clogging?
One problem I’ve had with using water balloons is that when you take them out of the ground to fill them, you sometimes find that the opening can be clogged with dirt. It’s a bit tricky to fix because the gap can be very small. I previously used a wooden skewer or cotton swab to unclog mine, which usually works fine.
The best way to prevent the showerhead from getting stuck is to poke a hole in the floor with a long, thin object, like a pencil or screwdriver, before inserting the showerhead. This prevents soil from being pushed into the neck during insertion and also reduces the risk of the sprinkler breaking during insertion.
What are the alternatives to watering balloons?
There are many alternatives for watering your plants while on vacation. These include the following;
- Place a wick in a jug or bucket of water
- Use a self-watering pot
- Place your plants in a watering tray with capillary mats
- Installation of an electronic irrigation system.
All of these have their pros and cons and the best option for you will depend on a number of factors.
All in all, I think water balloons are worth a try. They’re not perfect, but they’re cheap and usually get the job done.