Drought-Alert Planter Insert

This is a variant on the original ‘low-water-alert’ (Drought-Alert) Planter < Drought-Alert (incl reservoir) Planter by Rosti | Download free STL model | Printables.com > . This pot-insert allows you to use a 6” ceramic (or other material) circular plant pot of your choice and convert it to both a reservoir and low-water-alert planter.

No, it isn’t self-watering, no pot is, you still need to fill it up every so often. But at least this one alerts you when the water is getting low.

Double check your donor pot dimensions, including any internal radiused edges. It will fit a plant pot with a minimum internal diameter of 125mm and with an internal height to the rim of 115mm. Any internal base radius should be no more than 30mm. However, I have also created a 3.5mm collar (shim) that allows adjustment for pots which are shorter (or have a high internal base radius) [example photo uses one shim, you could use multiple]. The insert extends above the pot, so that the water reservoir is in addition, not instead of, the original growing space.

Although the dimensions are different the alert principle is the same as for the original (larger) planter Here is how the low-water-alert works < https://youtu.be/AADvED2eM7I > 

The reservoir holds approx. 350ml of free water, plus what is in the soil. Capillary / gravity action holes are deliberately only placed in the bottom of the planter to slow water movement rates. Made from PETG and with the print settings as listed it appears fully waterproof in use. The main float pivot is made using a 25mm M3 stainless hex bolt with washers used to reduce plastic on plastic friction. The indicator inserts from the top and then connects to the float, before then securing the pivot.

Print Instructions: [PETG 0.4noz / 0.15 Layer first Ext=230, Bed=85 then Ext=240, Bed=90] 

• The Planter prints right way up (with only ‘enforced’ supports painted on for the float mount & float hole). 40% infill & 4 perimeters.
• Unlike the original, there is no water reservoir (you are using a donor pot).
• The float prints the right way up with enforced supports. 5% infill and 2 perimeters.
• The indicator prints on its side with its pivot lugs vertical and with enforced supports. 5% infill and 2 perimeters.