Product Care & Maintenance

Caring for Your Semi-Hydroponic Pots

Cleaning: Rinse your pot's reservoir with warm water whenever you refresh the water or top up growing medium. If mineral build-up appears on the pot's surface or reservoir walls, a gentle wipe with a diluted white vinegar solution, followed by a thorough rinse, will help keep things clear.

Refilling and topping up: Check your reservoir regularly and top up as needed — how often will depend on your plant, the season, and your home's conditions. Avoid letting the reservoir run completely dry for extended periods, as this can affect both plant health and, over time, the pot itself.

Removing your plant or inner basket: If your plant has become root-bound or growing medium feels stuck, avoid squeezing or forcing the inner basket to release it, as this can crack or damage it. As in any planter, established roots can have a strong hold and will need gentle teasing with a pencil-like object; go slowly so as not to damage roots. If it's still proving stubborn, get in touch and we're happy to talk you through it.

Checking for damage: As with any container that holds water, we'd recommend periodically checking your pot for cracks, splits, or damage to the reservoir — particularly if it's ever been dropped, knocked, or exposed to freezing temperatures. A damaged pot should not be used to hold water, as this could result in leaking.

Placement: We'd always recommend placing pots away from direct proximity to electrical sockets, cables, or appliances, and using a saucer or tray beneath any pot placed on furniture or flooring that could be damaged by moisture. This is good practice for any water-holding container, not just ours, and helps protect both your home and your plant.

Growing media (LECA & PON): LECA and PON are made from natural, fired clay, so there's nothing chemical or toxic about them. However, as they come in small, lightweight pieces, we'd recommend keeping pots containing growing media out of reach of young children and pets, as they could present a choking hazard if swallowed.

 

Caring for Your Cedar Trellises

Cleaning: A soft, dry brush or cloth is usually all that's needed to keep your trellis looking its best. If it needs a deeper clean, a damp (not wet) cloth works well — avoid soaking the wood or using harsh chemical cleaners, and never submerge your trellis in water.

Natural weathering: Western Red Cedar naturally weathers over time, especially with variations in humidity and light. This is a normal characteristic of real, untreated wood, and many people enjoy the way cedar's tone deepens and matures. If you'd prefer to preserve the original colour for longer, keeping the trellis out of direct, prolonged sunlight can help slow this process.

Wax and oil finish: Western Red Cedar is naturally water-resistant, even untreated — but we finish every trellis with a food-safe blend of beeswax and oils for extra protection. You may notice a little residual wax or oil on the surface from time to time; although we buff each trellis before sending, the wood can occasionally seep a small amount back out. This is completely normal and isn't harmful to you or your plants. Re-oiling shouldn't be necessary for some time, but if you do want to refresh it, always use a food-safe oil or wax to keep things safe for your plant.

Natural characteristics: As a natural wood product, your trellis may include knots, grain variation, or small marks. These aren't flaws — they're part of what makes each piece of cedar unique.

Using the acrylic stakes: The acrylic stakes and black brackets are designed to be inserted into damp growing medium, but the wood itself should not be inserted into the medium. Please take care when handling the stakes, as the edges can be sharp.  

Stability: Make sure your trellis is well-seated and stable within the pot before training a plant onto it, and check this periodically as your plant grows and adds weight to the support. Your trellis is strong, but its design isn't intended for very heavy or mature plants — if you notice it beginning to bend or lean, this is usually a good sign it's time to prune your plant back a little.

Chemicals: Avoid spraying pest treatments, fertilisers, or other chemicals directly onto the trellis itself.