Sustee Troubleshooting


My Sustee stays white after watering?

  • Don’t worry—there are a few possible reasons, and most are easy to fix!

    1. 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.
    2. Your new Sustee might need priming. 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.
    3. 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.
    4. 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.
    5. After changing the refill
      Make sure to keep the small straw attached to the refill—it’s essential for proper function.
    6. Within 6 months of use
      Sometimes fertilizers or oils in the soil can clog SUStee. Please check our [maintenance guide] to clean it.
    7. 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.

💡 Some soils take longer to absorb water. Wait up to 1 hour before assuming something’s wrong.

My Sustee stays blue for ages?

This usually means your soil is still holding moisture — which is a good thing!

Check that:

  • You’re not watering again too soon

  • It’s cooler weather (Sustee stays blue longer in winter)

  • Your pot has good drainage.

⚠️ If it never turns white, the refill may be due for replacing.

My Sustee isn’t changing colour at all?

This is often a sign the Sustee Core has reached the end of its life. You might need a Refill.

What to do:

  • Replace the refill (they last about 6–9 months)

  • Prime the new refill in water until it turns blue before reinserting

The bottom opening is exposed?

If soil settles, the bottom opening can become uncovered.

Fix it by:

  • Gently pushing the Sustee deeper into the soil

  • Topping up soil if needed

The bottom opening must stay buried for accurate readings.

Can I move my Sustee between plants?

Yes — but you'll need to let it dry first!

If moving Sustee to another pot:

  • Rinse off soil

  • Let the Sustee dry completely

  • Reinsert into the new plant & start again

Still unsure?

If in doubt, remember:

  • White = water

  • Blue = relax

  • Any hint of blue? Wait it out 😉