Softpots FAQs
Happy to Help!
How do I know when my Softpot needs watering?
Rather like young babies, when you pick them up you can’t tell if they are wet from the sides, put your hand underneath your Softpot so you can feel the dampness there. A Softpot in your hand should feel pleasant, slightly damp to touch. Not wet. Not soggy. You can also tell if they need watering by their weight. You’ll find once you’ve watered your Softpot a couple of times, you'll get to know their wet and dry weight, just by picking them up. They're like old friends - you just know what they’re like!
How do I water my Softpot?
There are a few ways to water your Softpot, however it is always best to water your Softpot from underneath. You can place water in a shallow dish and allow your Softpot to stand in the dish to absorb the water. For small to medium sized indoor plants the best method is to stand them in a bowl of water (optional to add feed to the water) and leave them to soak up all the liquid like a sponge. This can take as little as ten minutes. Sometimes, when a small plant needs immediate attention, I take the plant and run the pot under the cold tap for two or three seconds. This is enough to keep the plant happy for a while. For larger plant pots and all outdoor Softpots, where possible, I will plunge them in a bucket of water/liquid feed right up over their necks, wait until the air bubbles stop rising, then haul them out and leave to drain. This ensures all the Softpot Gold inside the pot has been recharged. Of course, you can also use a garden hose on the Softpots outside. They will absorb the water, but not to such a profound level of saturation as in the plunging method. Hosing down the Softpots in hot weather is good practice because if they get too dry, then the stockings resist getting wet. If this happens, give them a good deep plunge to charge them up again.
Can I overwater or underwater my Softpot?
Overwatering or underwatering kills most indoor plants. Happily, Softpots are hard to overwater. I find the ‘gold’ inside the pot continues to hold moisture. Sometimes, when I put a Softpot in to water, the pot floats, - but the plant looks fine, - and I am sure it is this additive that keeps the plant in such good condition. Without this, the pot contents become dreadfully dry and it quickly becomes unusable. It really is worth taking the time to make them right in the first place!
Can I wash my Softpot?
To some extent yes, Softpots are washable. If your indoor pot is looking a bit dull or dusty, simply take a damp cloth and wipe the outside of the pot to bring it back to sparkling again. The same if your outdoor pot is growing moss in places you don’t want, just wash it off!
My Softpot is growing roots, what do I do?
When the roots of your plant start to show through the bottom of your pot, you have two choices. You can connect your Softpot to a new Softpot and allow the roots to grow unimpeded from one pot to another (no transplanting). Or you can simply rub the roots off with the palm of your hand and your plant will get the message and stay inside its pot!
What materials can I use on my Softpot?
Once you’ve learned to make a Softpot you will never look at ordinary, mundane things the same way because almost everything can be applied to a Softpot. Apart from the regular source of decorative materials, - synthetic fibres, ribbons, beads, sea shells, - you can let your imagination really run wild to include such strange things as milk bottle tops, quality street wrappers, moss, leaves, buttons, badges, jewellery and more.
Who can make a Softpot?
Whether it’s a gift for gran, an activity to do with the kids or a potential career path for a thriving individual, Softpots and the making of them can be thoroughly enjoyed by all ages! Over the years we have taken Softpots on tour through our workshops, into schools, care homes and even a school for the blind!
What are the benefits of a Softpot?
As well as being environmentally friendly, plastic free and kinder to the roots of your plants, Softpots have also touched many peoples hearts who have had the experience of making them. There is something truly magical about making a Softpot and connecting with the earth that leaves you with a sense of happiness. Softpots have made a huge impact in the mental health sector as making a Softpot can affect you on all levels...mentally, physically and spiritually. Physically, it is a relaxing and enjoyable thing to do that does not require any great exertion. Mentally, when you make a Softpot, you'll find that when you get to the decorating bit, you go quiet, - and so do your thoughts. Softpots can almost instantly reconnect you to your inner child and making them can bring great healing for many.
Can I go wrong whilst making a Softpot?
There is a sacredness about each Softpot, something unique and magical. It is the culmination of honouring the plant, yourself and divine creativity. Each one is a celebration of life! One of the great joys of Softpot making is that as long as the right ingredients are inside the pot you simply can't go wrong. You never know what it's going to turn out like until you've actually made it, there is always an element of surprise, - and often delight too!
What do I do with my outdoor Softpot in winter?
Winter is generally the quietest time for all gardeners, but not necessarily so with Softpots! There are always plants about, and some ericaceous plants find wintertime the perfect season for them. Of course, other plants are sleeping at this time, but even their pots without anything showing have a reassuring presence in the garden. Their forms are still pleasing. Especially the moss pots! The moss protects the pot in winter and in hot conditions too. In wintertime, I tend to gather my pots together so that they are all sheltering each other from the worst of the weather to some extent. This helps them cope with high winds too.
What plant should I use for making my first Softpot?
When picking out your plant to embark on your new Softpot adventure make sure you choose the correct compost or soil. We would always recommend using an ivy plant for your first go as they are very forgiving plants!