FAQs
How Do I Use a Sustee?
Click HERE for Step by Step instructions for using your Sustee
Which size should I choose?
Click HERE for Sustee sizing information
Where should I insert it in the pot?
It is important for Sustee to measure the moisture area around the roots. So please insert within 20 centimetres from the plant.
How deep can you insert it?
Insert the Sustee into the soil at the base of your plant, pushing it down to between the ▼▲ arrow marks on the meter.
How do I know when to water?
Please give me water when the small window on the top of the Sustee turns white. Blue means your plant is hydrated enough.
What if my Sustee arrives and my indoor plants are already watered?
Simply prime your new Sustee by placing into a cup of water and wait till the window turns blue then place into your already watered plant.
What kind of plants can you use Sustee on?
It can be used for almost all plants cultivated in soils with a certain level of moisture retention, from potting mixes, peat, moss and bark. It can also be used in spaces like vegetable cultivation using a planter or pot.
What do I do when watering does not change the Sustee's colour?
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Don’t worry—there are a few possible reasons, and most are easy to fix!
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First time use (brand new SUStee)
When you first open and use SUStee, water your plant thoroughly (until water runs out of the bottom of the pot). This helps the core activate through capillary action. -
Soil is too compact or roots are blocking
If the soil is too hard, root-bound, or very muddy, SUStee’s bottom inlet can get blocked. Try loosening the soil a little or placing SUStee in a different spot. -
Soil drains too quickly
In very coarse soil, water may drain before SUStee can absorb it. When watering, try pouring a little water directly at the base of SUStee. -
After changing the refill
Make sure to keep the small straw attached to the refill—it’s essential for proper function. -
Within 6 months of use
Sometimes fertilizers or oils in the soil can clog SUStee. Please check our [maintenance guide] to clean it. -
After 6 months of use
The refill core can naturally break down over time (thanks to soil microbes—that’s actually good for your soil!). If SUStee has been in use for 6–12 months, it’s likely time to replace the refill.
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First time use (brand new SUStee)
"It did not change colour as soon as I watered"
It may be because the amount of water was too little. After inserting the Sustee, give your plant a good soak until the water flows out to the bottom of the pot.
"Moisture is not being absorbed by the Sustee"
Sustee absorbs moisture from the mouthpiece at the bottom. If it gets clogged with old hardened soil or there are excessive roots in the pot, the water may not be absorbed and colour change may not be possible. You can fix this by
- Loosening the soil a little when inserting the Sustee or changing the place to insert.
- Mix detergent with warm water and place SUSTEE window end down and let it soak for about an hour. Whatever is sticking to Sustee will be cleaned off. Dry and then use again.
How long does Sustee take to change colour?
- Sustee size Small is about 3 minutes,
- Medium size is about 15 minutes,
- Large size is about 25 minutes for full-colour change in the window.
Depending on the soil, the colour may change after 1 hour. The quickness of colour change also depends on the water retention of the soil. Please refer time as a guide only.
How to tell if you need to replace the Sustee core?
"It showed no reaction at all even when I watered it." If you continue to use for a long time, the reaction of colour change may become dull due to the deposition of the components and particulates in the soil. Replacement of the core is recommended in this case.
The Sustee Core is environmentally friendly and economical please use replaceable core refills.
The inner core of SUSTEE is made of natural fibers and can be consumed by microorganisms.
The state of the soil is a factor, but the core has to be replaced when it stops turning blue after watering (approximately after 6-9 months pending on your soil type).
Changing the core is done in two steps. It is easy and can be done by anyone.
Click HERE for Step by Step instructions for Refilling your Sustee
Do you recommend keeping it blue?
We recommend that you do not water when the window is blue, only water when it turns fully white. You may feel like wanting add water in the middle of the colour change but you don't want to over-water your plant friends!
What does each colour mean?
When it is blue, it means that the soil which does not need watering and is moist. When it's white it means that the soil is dry and needs some watering.
Does the frequency of colour change, change with the season?
In the hot summer season, the moisture in your pot evaporates quickly, so it will turn white quicker compared to the spring and autumn months. Opposite to this, It is difficult to evaporate the moisture during the cold winter season, so the blue period tends to be longer.
Does the use of inorganic fertilizer, organic fertilizer, pesticide, etc. affect the product?
Unless used in excess or if the product contains a lot of oil, it should not affect the Sustee.
Do I need to do anything to take care of my Sustee?
After long periods of usage Sustee might not react as swiftly as it should. This may be due to soil sticking to it. Mix neutral detergent with warm water and place the Sustee upside down (the window facing downwards) in it and let it soak for about an hour. Whatever is sticking to SUSTEE should come off and dissolve this way.
After cleaning let dry till it shows white again. It can be used again after cleaning.