How a Lechuza smart pot works
Reservoir pots do not water the plant automatically from day one. The system becomes useful once the roots reach the absorption zone at the bottom of the pot. Until then, the plant needs regular watering from above to adapt to the new substrate and the new container.
Growth stage: after transplanting
Water from above. In the first weeks, sometimes longer depending on the species and root growth rate, water the substrate normally. Do not fill the reservoir just because the pot has an indicator. The roots need to grow down to the wet zone and be able to absorb water through the system.
There is no fixed timeframe for all plants. A plant with vigorous roots may adapt faster; one just transplanted or grown in a very different substrate may need more time.
Reservoir test
After a few weeks, fill the reservoir only halfway. Monitor the level in the following days. If it decreases, it means the roots have reached the absorption zone and you can start using the reservoir.
If the level remains unchanged, return to watering from above and repeat the test after a few weeks. Do not force the plant to drink from the reservoir if the roots are not ready.
Wet phase and pause after “min.”
Wet phase. After adaptation, fill the reservoir up to the “max.” mark. The plant will take water as needed, and the indicator will gradually go down.
Pause. When the indicator reaches “min.”, do not refill immediately. The substrate is still moist, and a short pause allows the roots to get air. As a guideline, 2-10 days can work for many plants, but the duration depends on species, light, temperature, pot size, and substrate. Cacti and other drought-adapted plants usually require a longer pause.
The indicator shows the water in the reservoir, not the exact moisture at each root. Also observe the plant: leaves, growth rate, and the actual time it takes for the substrate to dry.
Common mistakes
Reservoir filled too early. Roots that have not reached the bottom do not use the water, and the substrate may remain too wet.
No pause after “min.” Immediate refilling keeps moisture constant and reduces air exchange around the roots.
Substrate chosen without considering the species. A reservoir does not turn a compact substrate into a suitable one. Plants with sensitive roots still need drainage, structure, and ventilation.