How to Fill a Plant Watering Bulb Without Making a Mess

If you're heading out for a few days and want to make sure your plants stay hydrated, a flower watering bulb is a great solution. These glass or plastic globes with long stems slowly release water into the soil, keeping your houseplants happy while you're away.

But if you’ve ever tried to fill one, you probably know how frustrating it can be. You pour water in, and suddenly it splashes right back at you. Why does that happen and how can you avoid it?

Why Watering Bulbs Splash Back

That surprise splash isn’t just bad luck. It happens because the water inside the neck blocks the air inside the globe from escaping. As the air gets trapped, pressure builds up. Eventually, the compressed air forces the water back out the same way it came in, often right onto your shirt or into your face.

The Trick: Let the Air Escape

To fill a watering bulb without the mess, you need to let air escape while the water flows in. Here's how to do that easily:

• Tilt the bulb at an angle so you’re not pouring directly down the center

• Pour slowly, letting a gentle stream of water enter the bulb

• Use a thin stream from the faucet and avoid covering the whole opening with water

If the water completely seals the neck, the air inside has nowhere to go. But by keeping the stream narrow and off to one side, you allow water to go in while air can escape out.

You’ll notice the difference right away, no gurgling, no splashback, just a smooth fill.