It's simpler than you think.

How to Water Your Plants

Fill your Olla, let your plant take what it needs, and refill when it's low.

Setting up your Olla

Pick where you're growing.

For raised beds, vegetable gardens, flower beds, and outdoor containers.

1

Soak it for 15 minutes.

New terracotta is dry. Soaking lets the clay release water evenly from the start.

2

Bury it up to the neck.

Leave only the opening above the soil. Pack soil firmly around the sides — no air gaps. Good clay-to-soil contact is what makes it work.

3

Plant within its range.

Large waters up to a 3 foot diameter · Small about 2 feet · Mini about 1 foot.

4

Fill it and cap it.

The lid keeps out debris and insects and slows evaporation.

5

Refill when the level's low.

Once or twice a week in mild weather · every 2–3 days in summer heat · less after rain.

For houseplants, tropicals, herbs, and outdoor containers.

1

Soak it for 15 minutes.

New terracotta is dry. Soaking lets the clay release water evenly from the start.

2

Insert it into the soil.

Press it in firmly for direct clay-to-soil contact — no air gaps. If the mix is very dry, water it lightly first.

3

Match the size to your pot.

Small for 4–6 inch pots · Medium for 5–9 inch · Large for 8–12 inch. One Spike per pot is usually enough.

4

Fill it and cap it.

The cap keeps out debris and slows evaporation.

5

Refill when the level's low.

About once a week indoors · more for thirsty tropicals in warm, bright rooms · less in low light.

Why this works

When the soil around the Olla is drier than the water inside, moisture is pulled through the clay to the roots. When the soil has enough, the flow pauses on its own. Your plant regulates its own watering — you just keep the Olla filled.

Over time, roots grow toward the Olla and wrap around the clay. That's when the difference really shows: steadier growth, stronger roots, and a routine that takes care of itself between refills.

Read the full science →

What to expect

First few days

The Olla starts releasing water into the soil. Checking it often is normal — you're learning the rhythm.

After a week or two

More consistent growth. Firmer leaves. Less of the wilt-and-recover cycle.

After a month

Roots are growing toward the moisture source. Steadier, more resilient growth.

Over the season

Roots have found their water source. Watering is a quiet routine, not a daily question.

Things worth knowing

Tap any question to expand.

How often should I refill it?
Don't let it run dry for too long. Roots grow to depend on the Olla, and if it stays empty they can stress quickly. Keep it filled.
Does my soil type matter?
Yes. Ollas work best in well-draining soil, including slightly sandy or coarse mixes. Heavy clay slows water movement — adding compost or organic matter improves structure and moisture balance.
What about new seedlings or transplants?
Water them at the surface for the first week or two, until their roots grow toward the Olla. Established plants will find it on their own.
What happens when it rains?
When the soil is already moist, the Olla pauses its release. Nothing is wasted.
Why is the surface still dry?
With an Olla Pot outdoors, the top layer often stays dry while the root zone below stays moist — that's normal, and it helps reduce weeds. In smaller indoor pots with a Spike, the soil tends to stay more evenly moist. Either way, check the Olla's water level rather than the surface.
What do I do in winter?
In freezing climates, dig up your Olla before the ground freezes — moisture in the clay can expand and crack the terracotta. Store it indoors and re-bury in spring.
Does it work for every plant?
Olla is for plants that thrive with steady moisture. Succulents, cacti, and plants that prefer dry-out cycles aren't a good match. If you do use one with them, let the soil dry out more between refills.

You still care for your plants.
You just stop guessing.

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