Self watering insert Generator (Hydro/Wicking)

Parametric Self-Watering Insert for Semi-Hydroponics

Convert Your Existing Pots for Semi-Hydro with a Customizable 3D-Printed Insert

Want to transition your beloved plants from soil to semi-hydroponics without the hassle of buying new pots? This parametric SCAD model allows you to create custom self-watering inserts tailored to your existing pots, making the switch to semi-hydro easy and efficient.

🌱 Fully Customizable to Fit Your Needs

This model lets you adjust:

✔️ Shape - Choose between round and rectangular insert

✔️ Watering system - Choose between semi-hydro and wicking system
✔️ Height & Width - Customize top, middle, and bottom diameters to match your pot.
✔️ Hole Placement & Size - Optimize aeration and water flow.
✔️ Wall Thickness - Choose between lightweight and ultra-sturdy designs.
✔️ Water Level Indicator - Scales proportionally to your insert’s height for clear monitoring.

✔️ Stands - Define how many stands your insert will be sitting on to ensure a secure fit.

✔️ Many More…

Perfect combination
This insert is designed to work optimally with the Customizable Moss Pole Generator (Honeycomb/Spiral) and the Customizable Ribbed Plant Pot for a complete matching plant setup. Together they provide support, water retention, and style in one coordinated system.

🛠️ Printing Recommendations

✅ No supports needed in most cases. However, if the middle cone (with the holes) has extreme overhangs or using the wicking system, enable support for that section.
✅ No infill required, but 15% infill works well without excessive material usage.
✅ Wall thickness: Thicker inserts are sturdier but require more material. 2mm to 3mm is a good balance.
✅ Check print preview: Ensure no parts are colliding before printing. If you encounter an issue, please report your dimensions.
✅ Careful removal: The insert is stable, but since it’s essentially a thin-walled structure, handle it gently when detaching from the build plate.

🖨️ Printing Instructions

1️⃣ Customize Your Model

• Click on Customize and adjust the parameters to fit your pot.
  
• Read each parameter’s description to ensure the best possible fit.

2️⃣ Download & Prepare for Printing

• Save the file as .3mf or .stl and open it in BambuStudio and follow the Printing Recommendations written above.

3️⃣ Start Printing

• Default settings should work well.
• If you notice a large overhang in the middle section, enable supports—though in my experience, they haven't been necessary.
   

🔧 Assembly Instructions – No Glue Needed!

1️⃣ Prepare the Floating Base

• Cut a 10mm x 10mm x 15mm piece of EPP or EPS (expanded polypropylene or polystyrene).
• Insert the water level indicator into the center of the cube.

2️⃣ Set Up the Insert

• Place the self-watering insert into your pot.

3️⃣ Assemble the Water Level Indicator

• Insert the water level indicator (with the EPP/EPS cube) into the funnel.

4️⃣ Final Touch

• Position the water level holder on top of the funnel – and you're good to go! ✅

🌍 Join the Community!

I’d love to see your prints in action! Share your results and let me know how this model works for you. Your input helps improve the design for future versions.

Happy printing & happy growing! 🌱✨

Changelog:

V1.1 - 15.04.2025 - Raised max size to 350x350mm

V2.0 - 28.06.2025 - Added a slot for a mosspole

V2.1 - 24.11.2025 - Added the option to set a center offset for pots with convex bottom surface

V3.0 - 09.05.2026 - Major and minor upgrades/bugfixes

Rectangular Shape

Rectangular pots are now supported. Simply change the “pot shape” to rectangular and set your dimenstions in the newly created parameter paragraph “2B - Rectangular Pot Dimensions”
 

Wicking System

A new watering method called “wicked” has been added. It allows to create inserts for wicking where the bottom pillar is no longer present but instead you got holes for a wick. This makes it perfect for the use of soil. The options can be found in the new paragraph “4b - Wicking Settings”.

Minor upgrades and bugfixes

• Fixed a bug where the watering funnel was overlapping the border when the bottom diameter was equal to the top diameter.
• Made the height customizable so different ratios of bottom, mid and top cylinders can be adjusted.
• Added the possibility to create venting holes on the top part of the insert
• Added the possibility to only use 2 legs where the water level indicator functions as a 3rd leg
• Made the watering funnel slightly bigger and adjustable

Designing and iterating models takes a lot of time, prototyping, and filament.
If you’d like to support future projects and updates, I’d appreciate a boost and/or a coffee ☕