HydroSpike Original HS-300 (3-Pack)

I have used these spikes for about a year, and have had wonderful results with them. When I adopt a neglected, dying houseplant from someone who doesn't want it anymore, I pop in a spike to water it slowly. In that way, the soil absorbs the water much more efficiently than pouring water into the soil, which just passes right through and out the drainage holes. PROS: Great for cuttings, seedlings, and other transplants that need TLC when newly planted. Tube is very supple and flexible, so it is very easy to reposition where needed, and has never crimped for me. Spike stays where I put it and doesn't fall over or out. CONS: Not for all houseplants. Some plants need to become dry between waterings, and consistent use of these spikes won't allow that to happen. Better if used only while your plants are unattended, then removed upon your return. I have tried using these for long-term watering of water-loving plants, but even then, I still needed to remove the spike for a few days about once a month or so, just so the plant wouldn't drown. Bottom line, this is an ideal solution for rooting new cuttings, unattended plant care, and also a great treatment for neglected, dried-out plants.

This product is good. Only reason in purchasing was a 1 week vacation out of town and the plants we have outside (tomatoes and other veggies) were needing watered. The device works fine and does disperse water. The inside plants we have really benefit the most but you have to re fill the cone each time you refill your reservoir that you use. We used water bottles since they do well for a few days on inside plants. Again product works just not great for long vacations for plants that require lots of water. We had 2 per plant outside and came back to very close to dead plants. It was not good that there was a drout this year but it was better than no water. The plants survived but didn't produce good fruit :-/.

So far, these things are working great. I'm keeping a few small house plants in, what I'd say about 1 gallon flower pots, all watered strictly with 1 Hydrospike each and so far everything is healthy and strong. I originally got them because I was going on vacation, but now I may just use them as my method of watering. Then I only have to remember to fill up the reservoir's, which I'll know when they are getting low on water because I can see it (rather than seeing a plant that is looking parched). After reading all the reviews before buying these, I gleaned some "tips" before sticking these things in the dirt. 1 - get some fishing line and tie a snug knot around the hose (at the end which sits in the reservoir) and attach a split shot fishing sinker to the fishing line so it sinks and stays on the bottom. 2 - blow air through the tube prior to using it - make sure you hear air come out the other end. 3 - with the Hydrospike inserted, make sure the top of the water level in the reservoir is lower than the bottom of the spike - if it isn't, then put something under your flower pot to elevate it otherwise the siphon won't work. All the other manufacturer instructions apply too, of course. I wasn't sure at first if these things would give enough, or too much water, but from what I can tell it looks to leave the soil moist but not wet all the way through from top to bottom. It does seem, though, that some spike's might put out more water than others (I'm going by touch), but I could also just be crazy. Either way, I'm very happy with this product so far. If something changes, I'll update my review.

I have multiple potted plants on a south-facing, semi-covered porch, so frequent watering is necessary in order to keep them alive. I got tired of watering almost every day, and "Aqua Globes" just weren't cutting it, so I sought out an alternative. After reading reviews here, I realized that Hydrospikes are not "upwrap and use" products at all. Below are the modifications I had to make in order to make these Hydrospikes work. * I hung the Hydrospikes for about 24 hours in order to stretch out the hose before using the Hydrospikes. * I drilled a 1/4-inch hole in the lid of three, one-gallon water containers. The tips of the Hydrospikes will fit through the 1/4-inch hole. * I filled each container with just under a gallon of water and then put a partial "mosquito dunk" in each container. I feel this is VERY important because I **DO NOT** want to encourage breeding of mosquitoes. Having an open container of water, without a mosquito dunk, is an invitation for massive mosquito breeding. * I attached a 1/2-ounce fishing weight to the tip of each Hydrospike so that the tips would sink to the bottom of the water container. * I placed the hoses for up to three Hydrospikes in each container of water, and then placed the containers of water behind each pot. It has been 85-90 degrees the past few days, and my pots (which sit on a hot, south-facing patio!) would usually cook in such heat. However, with the Hydrospikes, they've not dried out. Each 18-inch pot has two or three Hydrospikes in it, and the plants look great! Each pot has used about 1/4 gallon of water in the past three days. That means that I could never rely on these Hydrospikes to keep my plants alive for more than about a week (especially as the temperatures go up this summer) without the containers being refilled, but that's okay. If I can get a week out of each container, I'll be thrilled! I would definitely recommend this as a watering system, but caution users about the need to weight down the tips of the Hydrospikes, and the need to be cautious about mosquito breeding.

In anticipation of a two-week trip, I chose to try this kit because I liked the idea that it had no moving parts, did not run on batteries or other external power, and that I could choose the size of my water container. I set it up a few weeks before to test it, which I highly recommend doing to make sure the reservoirs are primed properly (this took me a couple of tries). The hydrospikes worked beautifully! I set up my three pots on a low windowsill, with a water-filled tofu container on the floor to feed all three pots and a rock tied to the ends of the tubings to weigh them down (otherwise the tubings tend to float up). I've just returned from my trip to find three happy, well-hydrated plants, and still a bit of reserve water left in my tofu container. By using a larger water container I expect I'd be able to leave the plants for longer without worrying. I am very satisfied with the hydrospikes. Simple concept and design, very effective, and a bargain at the price, too!

we were away for a month, we came back back and the plants were still alive and looked happy and healthy so i'd call it a win!

My plant still alive when I came home from my 3.5 week vacation.

Works like a charm. It takes a couple of days to ensure that the tubes and reservoirs remain primed. Best advice I saw was to push the spikes into the pot first, remove the lid and fill completely with water, then fill the green tubes with water holding. When the tube is full of water hold your finger over both ends. Place the lid end back on the Hydrospike as quick as you can losing as little water as possible (while holding your finger over the other end of the tube). Then place the other end of the tube in your water container. You need to check the clear reservoirs at the top of the Hydrospikes ever day for the first while and the system is working, you will clearly see the water level. If there is no water in the Hydrospike after a day or so, just re-prime as described above. It took a few days of trial and error but they have been working fine now for two weeks.

Definitely helped keep my hanging baskets alive during time away in the hot summer.