Actually. Most of the ones I know about do not use a cloth wick. Check out Raybo's Earthtainer.

Here is a link that might be useful: Raybo's Earthtainer

Yes, I think I read that article before, they use some sort of plastic basket fill with planting medium as the "wick".

Recently, I removed a plant that had died and I notice the root was starting to try to grow into the reservoir. However, since the planter uses a wick,the root would have probably extend through th hole and got air pruned. If it was one of the non-wicking type, wouldn't the root grow into the water? Would that cause rotting? Would the planting medium rot if you use the soil-less variety?

Paul

The best type of wicking material is nylon string because it doesn't rot. Just thread the string through the soil and out the bottom holes of the flowerpot. You can float the string in a small container of water set next to the plant.

Here's wickless self watering container :-)