sunny stem - self watering solution for plants
3 for 2 offer : buy 2, get the 3rd free!
sunny stem takes the guesswork out of watering, by maintaining ideal soil moisture levels to keep your thirsty plants hydrated and thriving. care for your plants effortlessly and watch them flourish with a unique self-watering solution that brings style and function to any space. perfect for vacations, busy schedules, and enhancing your home decor.
Handcrafted with care on the Sunshine Coast.
Note: Pots and vases shown are for inspiration only and not included.
materials
Stem: premium aluminium sourced and manufactured locally on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland.
Wick: 100% recycled cotton, sourced from Melbourne, Victoria.
size guide & product specifications
small
Height: 20 cm
Recommended with pots up to 16 cm high, or all setups with height difference up to 13 cm
large
Height: 31 cm
Recommended with pots from 11 to 26 cm high, or all setups with height difference up to 23 cm.
shipping
We ship with Australia Post for all domestic orders.
Standard : $10.95
Delivers in 2 to 8 business days
Express : $14.95
Delivers in 1 to 3 business days
We currently do not ship internationally.
sunny stem - self watering solution for plants
Indoor & Outdoor Versatility
Works in any space from your living room, windowsill, balcony or patio.
Customisable Watering
Adjust the amount of cotton wick in the pot to match your plant’s moisture needs.
Low-Maintenance
Simply refill your water vessel to keep plants steadily hydrated with minimal effort.
Built to Last
Handcrafted locally on the Sunshine Coast from durable, quality Australian materials.
If you have any questions, you are always welcome to contact us. We'll get back to you as soon as possible, within 24 hours on weekdays.
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Shipping Information
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FAQ’s
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how to set up your sunny stem
Step 1. Prepare the wick : Submerge the entire wick in water, ensuring the section inside the stem is fully moistened by pulling from one side to the other. Squeeze excess water so it is wet, but not dripping.
Step 2. Position the wick : Place the wick at the bottom of the pot. More wick means more moisture! For an already potted plant: Dig a small hole along the edge of the pot, reaching as deep as possible to the base.
Step 3. Set up & stabilise : Place the plant in the pot, add soil, and water lightly to stabilise. Place the other end of the wick into your water vessel. For an already potted plant: Drop the wick into the hole, push it down, then cover with soil and water to stabilise.
Step 4. Fill the water vessel : Fill the water vessel to finish the set up. The size of the vessel and amount of wick you placed in the pot will determine how often you need to refill the water.
FAQs
Curious about how sunny stem works? We’ve answered the most common questions to help you understand our product and get the best results.
Can I use my sunny stem for all my plants?
✽ Perfect for: A self watering solution like sunny stem is perfect for plants that love consistently moist soil such as tropical or swamp species
✽ Not ideal for: Succulents and cacti, which prefer dry periods between watering.
How long can I leave my plants unattended?
Going away? No problem! The larger the water container, the longer your plant stays hydrated. For trips over 3 weeks:
✔ Test ahead of time – Install your sunny stem early to fine-tune watering before you leave.
✔ Minimize evaporation – Use a narrow-neck vase or container to avoid water loss.
✔ Use slow-release fertilizer – Keeps nutrients steady while you're away.
Can I add fertiliser to the water vessel?
Not recommended! Liquid fertiliser in standing water can cause bacteria buildup. Instead:
✔ Flush the soil with clean water before applying fertilizer.
✔ Use slow-release fertiliser for longer-lasting nutrients.
✔ Use liquid fertiliser every 1–2 months
Your sunny stem can stay exactly where it is, there is no need to remove it.
What type of container should I use?
Any water vessel works! Some creative ideas:
⌾ Wine bottles – Stylish and sustainable!
⌾ Second-hand finds – Check op shops for unique vases.
⌾ Local artisans – Support handmade glassware for a one-of-a-kind look.
Troubleshooting
My plant looks thirsty. What should I do?
If leaves are wilting or dry, your sunny stem might not be delivering enough water. Try this:
✔ Top water your plant – If it perks up, the wick isn’t currently supplying enough moisture.
✔ Increase the wick length – More wick in the soil = better water uptake.
✔ Make sure the wick is moist before reinstalling.
The water drained overnight! Why?
While rare, if your water vessel empties too quickly, it’s likely due to siphoning. This occurs when:
✔ The wick was too wet during installation.
✔ The water level in your vessel was higher than the soil level in the pot.
If both happen at the same time, water may drain uncontrollably. Here’s how to fix it:
❶ Remove your sunny stem and let the soil dry out for several hours.
❷ Squeeze out excess water from the wick before reinstalling.
❸ Adjust the water level in your vessel so it stays below the soil height in the pot.
This should restore a steady, controlled water flow to keep your plant hydrated without overwatering.
Can I install my sunny stem without repotting?
Yes! Instead of lifting your plant, use a spade, skewer, or chopstick to make a hole along the pot’s edge and push the wick down into the soil.
Oops! I pulled the wick out... what now?
No worries! Simply thread it back through using a fishing line or wire. If the wick is wet or moist, you may need to let it dry before rethreading it.
Does the wick ever need to be replaced?
Only when:
✽ It looks damaged.
✽ Your plant’s growth changes significantly.
✽ You’re repotting and want a fresh start.
I forgot to wet the wick before setup. Will it still work?
It’ll take longer to absorb water. For best results:
✔ Remove, wet the wick, and reinstall.
✔ If already installed and do not want to reinstall, you can deep-water your plant a few times over the next week to encourage absorption.
We recommend that you redo the installation and wet the wick to ensure best results.