Troubleshooting
A Wick Stick is not for every plant so let's make sure your plants are getting the best deal.
WHO ACTUALLY NEEDS A WICK STICK?
1. Thirsty Thirsty plants
2. Plants that may be neglected for some time when you are away (particularly in summer)
The first thing to think about when setting up your Wick Stick is 'does this plant LOVE water?!' Think Ferns, Calatheas, Elephant Ears, Philodendron, Pothos, Spider plant.
Also another thing to think about is - does my plant actually need a full time Wick Stick or does it just need it when I am away for an extended time or over hot summer periods? (We really don't want you to over water your beautiful house plants.)
MY PLANT IS GETTING TOO MUCH WATER.
The top of the dirt surrounding your plant should not stay wet for weeks on end nor should your plant be showing signs over overwatering - this means you plant is getting too much water from the Wick Stick.
Remove some of the cord from the dirt and see if that helps, also make sure you only have your Wick Stick in plants that really need lots of water, or a plant that may need watering while you are away or over the height of summer when plants can dry out very quickly.
Make sure your plant is in a pot with drainage holes too. We want any excess water to have an escape route.
ALL OF THE WATER SIPHONED INTO MY PLANT!
Take out your Wick Stick and let your plant drain completely for a few days before setting it back up. Make sure when setting up your Wick Stick you give the cord a big squeeze after soaking to remove any excess moisture (if you leave it sopping wet it can turn your Wick Stick into a siphon).
MY PLANT IS TOO DRY.
No water seems to be leaving the jug/vessel? It's likely that your dirt and cord have dried up completely. Start the potting process again. Dampen the soil by watering thoroughly and draining so that the dirt is damp - not wet. Make sure the cotton inside your wick stick is also damp across the whole thread.
Plant curling up or showing signs of thirst – see above.
THE COPPER PIPE IS CHANGING COLOR.
This is called a patina and is naturally occurring on most metals when they are exposed to the elements. We personally LOVE the look of this patina on our Copper Wick Sticks but if it’s not your preference you can polish it up nicely by using a copper polish like Brasso or Bar Keepers Friend Cleanser. You can also make a paste using equal parts lemon juice and baking soda for a similar result.
THE CORD NEEDS REPLACING.
If your cord isn’t sucking up water and looking a little sad and thin – you need a new cord! Don’t take your cord out of the wick stick until your new cord has arrived. You can use the old cord to pull through the new cord.
We send a replacement cord with all orders but if you need another one let us know!
If you are having any other issues with your Wick Stick, do let us know - we would love to help!