SAO PAULO, BRAZIL — A self-watering plant pot made of plastic was the highlight at Igaratiba Industria e Comercio Ltda.'s Brasilplast booth.
The container comprises two blow molded PVC containers — one fits inside the other. Water travels between the two via capillarity, or ``wick watering.''
``Several people have explored the capillarity principle for plant watering by using a cotton cord or other easily degradable materials. However, such a system is not nearly as effective,'' said Elson Silva, the Brazilian scientist who is responsible for the invention.
Silva's innovation uses a polypropylene cord, Silva said in an interview at the show and conference, held March 8-13 in Sao Paulo.
Silva and Igaratiba are in contact with potential clients to license production of the product in the United States.
Igaratiba special project manager Jose Eduardo Arcuri said the company invested 350,000 reis ($190,000) to launch and manufacture the new pots. The company is making 300,000 units per month.
Patents have been requested in Brazil, the United States and other countries.
