Abstract: An improved watering device is provided for automatically watering one or more potted plants with a predetermined volume or quantity of water, in response to the weight of the potted plant which indicates the moisture content of the plant soil. The watering device comprises a plant carrier for movably suspending the potted plant from a hanger assembly, with a main spring reacting between the plant carrier and hanger assembly for controlling the vertical position of the plant carrier in response to the weight of the potted plant. Upon upward displacement of the carrier as the plant soil dries, an adjustably set and spring-loaded pin engages and operates a control member such as an electrical switch for opening a water flow valve to deliver water to the potted plant, whereupon the carrier translates downwardly as water is added to the plant soil ultimately to result in sufficient disengagement with the control member to close the water flow valve and halt water flow to the potted plant.

Abstract: A fluid control apparatus is for controlling water supply to a potted plant and has a main valve responsive to weight of the potted plant. The apparatus comprises a main body to support the load of the plant, a valve body adapted to be suspended from a support, and a resilient member cooperating with the main body and valve body to be responsive to load of the plant acting on the main body. A delivery conduit receives water under relatively low pressure and flow of the water is controlled by the main valve. The main valve has a first valve portion, e.g. a valve seat on the valve body, and a second valve portion, e.g. a poppet valve. A valve adjuster, a critical valve area, and water pressure determine actuation of the main valve. Preferably, the main valve closes when load acting on the apparatus is a pre-determined load reflecting weight of the fully watered plant, and as the plant becomes lighter, opening of the valve is delayed to ensure delivery of a relatively large amount of water.