I use rayon mop strands - they last longer than the rayon man-made chamois you can purchase in automotive stores or store sections. Also, I really like the woven polypropylene ties that onion & citrus bags are often secured with, but not all of them work well. When they do, they last indefinitely. I have some that are more than 15 years old & still like new.

This is a high-fired Tokoname bonsai training pot. It still offers the gas permeability of terra cotta, but is impervious to freezing. Sadly, I can no longer find a supplier for them - glad I stocked up when they were available.

Al

Thanks for the reply. I want to try this system on violets first. Seems to be a lot of folks doing it.

Wicking works 2 ways. Most growers who frequent this forum are using it to remove excess water from overly water-retentive soils. See figure E and compare to A.

If you're going to use it to wick water upward, you'll need to forget the poly ties from onion/citrus bags and stick with the rayon mop strands, man-made rayon chamois, or something equally absorptive.

Al

I have tried pipe cleaners to drain overly water-retentive soils, and they seem to work great. (Fuzzy ones from a craft store) You can trim them with a wire cutter if necessary.

I'm sure the wire is the cheapest steel the manufacturer can buy - doesn't it oxidize (rust) and disintegrate very rapidly - especially if you're fertilizing with a synthetic?

Al

We shall see! :-)

Best luck - let us know.

Al