Basically, because of their fuzziness, violets don’t like to get water on their leaves. This causes ugly spots and potential damage. They are also picky about how much or how little they are watered, and it’s a constant battle to walk that fine line, one that is often the cause of demise in an otherwise healthy plant. People over- or under-water violets (and most plants, really) all the time, and a wicking system helps to solve this issue.
When a violet is potted by someone who is more savvy to the plant, they typically install a wick made of some type of string into and throughout the dirt in the pot, allowing the plant to decide when to take up water. The end of the wick that comes out the bottom of the pot goes into a water source, and absorbs as needed. The part of the wick that is within the soil stays moist, keeping the soil moist, and the plant essentially takes care of itself.
Here are some examples of wicking systems I have used or seen others use.
In the above photo I have three systems. The large tray hosting multiple plants, the plastic cup, and behind the cup is a wicking pot.
The tray was a cheap deal I put together at a Dollar Store. One cheap shallow baking pan, a cheap metal cooling rack, and some rubber bands, and together they make a nice tray with good spaces for the wicks of many plants.
The plastic cup I feel is self-explanatory. I had a plant which was in a pot that happened to fit just so within the cup. If your pot is smaller, consider a cup you can cut down to size.
The wicking pot was made just for plants with wicks in mind. It’s a plastic dish with a lid that has two holes: 1). for a wick and 2). for water replenishment. It’s a bit big for my liking but would work much better for an only plant; I simply don’t have room ;)
I have also seen friends and family utilize tupperware with holes cut into the lid and other plastic containers that originally had yogurt or cottage cheese within. Glass jars with small mouths (Smucker's has a good one, and taller baby food jars as well) are often ideal for violet reservoirs.
The last thing I have personally used was a bit of a surprise but worked really well – betta jars. When betta fish are sold, they come in these plastic cups with sturdy lids. The lids have a hole in the center allowing for employees to feed the fish prior to being purchased. Stickers removed, this container is excellent for a wicking plant.
Honestly, the possibilities are endless. Find what works for you and your space and taste. I hope that my own experience and crude artworks will give someone a good idea! If you have purchased a violet that was not set up for wicking, consider repotting it with one – a process I will cover next. Otherwise, when watering, do so carefully to avoid getting water on the leaves and make sure you don’t over- or under-water.
