Quick List - Top Self-Watering Planter
HBServices USA
An All-Purpose Planter With Excellent Airflow
Lechuza
Plenty of Growing Room in This Chic Indoor-Outdoor Planter
Gardening and wildcrafting food for her family, Amy grows in a variety of gardens including hydroponic, raised beds, containers, and in the ground. As a master gardener, she has successfully gardened across the country.
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Table of Contents
Self-watering planters are containers that use a reservoir of water to keep your plants hydrated without the need for manual watering on your part. This is an appealing idea for those who have a busy schedule or plan to be away from their plants for a while. In reality, however, self-watering planters are good for most indoor plants, even if you have the time to water it yourself.
When you water your plants, some water gets on the plant itself and isn't utilized as well as the water pulled from the soil by the root system is. In addition, there's no way you can pour the exact amount of water that your plant needs; you'll inevitably end up pouring more than enough to ensure your plant doesn't dry out.
Self-watering planters work using capillary action, meaning the roots of your plant will draw up exactly the amount of water that it needs from the planter's reservoir. This means better hydration for your plant and less water waste! Your plant will also be safe from problems like root rot or fungi, which are risks that come with overly wet soil.
Note, however, that self-watering planters aren't really great for cacti, succulents, and a few herbs, like rosemary, that like to have periods where they can dry rather than being watered often.
There are many shapes, sizes, and sorts of self-watering planters out there. Here are some points to consider when looking for the best self-watering planter to suit your needs.
The wick is the part of the planter that brings water from the reservoir up to the plants. There are two types of wicks in self-watering planters: soil wicks and rope wicks.
Rope wicks use a porous medium such as a cloth rope to draw the water up from the reservoir into the soil. Self-watering planters that use rope wicks allow you more flexibility in terms of setup, as the rope can be placed anywhere within the pot.
If you're working with indoor plants, rope wicks are a great choice as they can hydrate single pots and are easy to build as a DIY project. You can also get more creative with setting up your water reservoir, as mosquitos and other insects won't be around to lay eggs inside.
However, you'll almost certainly need more than one wick to keep your planter fully hydrated if you choose rope, and some materials such as nylon bring the risk of transferring microplastics into your soil. A rope will also eventually give in to constant water exposure, so you'll need to replace your wick occasionally.
Soil wicks rely on the soil itself to transfer water. Self-watering planters with soil wicks will either have sections of the soil directly exposed to the water reservoir or will have a barrier between the soil and the reservoir that allows the water to wick upwards via built-up humidity.
Soil wicks create a much wider source of hydration for your plants. The only downside to soil wicks is that you need to be careful about what sort of soil you use. If your soil isn't airy enough, the moisture won't travel properly up to your plants. If it doesn't have enough organic matter, it won't retain the moisture well enough.
When using a soil wick, experts recommend that your soil mix should be composed of 20 percent sand and 10 percent compost. This will provide both the airiness and the organic matter needed for a healthy self-watering system.
Most planters have drainage holes, but a self-watering planter will need to have its drainage holes situated in a place that releases excess water without affecting the reservoir. It also helps if the hole has a plug on the outer wall of the planter so you can release excess water when you have the need.
When it comes to refilling your reservoir, some self-watering planters come with a spigot that allows you to easily add water without moving your plant around. These are more efficient, as without the spigot you would have to remove the main compartment to fill the reservoir below.
When buying a self-watering planter, you want to ensure that it's the right size for your plant. Fast-growing plants will require a container that's about two to four inches deeper than the current root system.
You'll also want to keep in mind the type of plant you're growing to decide how tall and wide you want your planter to be. Plants with deeper root systems will need a taller pot, while larger plants will need a wider pot. Try to keep the diameter of the planter about one to two inches more than the plant itself, as it will need room to grow.
There are also many types and shapes of self-watering planters to choose from including hanging ones, classic circular-shaped planters, and square ones that can fit corners. We recommend planning where to put your planter before you buy it. If you're short on space or might want to rearrange things later on, try looking for a tiered or wheeled planter.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | HBServices USA Self Watering and Self Aerating Round Planter Pot|6 inch / 1.6 quart | ![]() | An All-Purpose Planter With Excellent Airflow | |
2 | Lechuza Cube Cottage Self-Watering Garden Planter|Granite Wicker | ![]() | Plenty of Growing Room in This Chic Indoor-Outdoor Planter | |
3 | HBS Self-Watering and Self-Aerating Round Planter|Black | ![]() | Best Budget-Friendly Planter | |
4 | Lechuza Cubico Color Self-Watering Garden Planter|Slate Matte | ![]() | Tall and Elegant for a Modern Look | |
5 | Fengzhitao Clear Self-Watering Planters |Small, Set of 3 | ![]() | Simple, Chic Containers for Small Indoor Plants | |
6 | GardenBasix Elongated Self-Watering Window Box|White | ![]() | Kitchen Herbs are Perfect for This Sleek Box | |
7 | T4U Plastic Self Watering Planter With Water Level Indicator|White, Set of 4 | ![]() | A Sensible Planter With a Great Water Gauge | |
8 | Sungmor Bowl-Shaped Hanging Self-Watering Planter|Emer Green, Small | ![]() | Hang It or Make It a Beautiful Countertop Addition | |
9 | Gardenix Decor Self Watering pots for Indoor Plants|White, Set of 2 | ![]() | A Simple, Sturdy, and Elegant Self-Watering Planter Set | |
10 | GardenBasix Self Watering Planter Foolproof Indoor Home Garden Modern Decorative Pot|White, Set of 3 | ![]() | A Self-Watering System for Indoor Plants and Seedlings |
Some users have complained about the plastic make of this pot, saying that it tips over easily and looks cheap next to their other planters. However, this is still one of the best and simplest self-watering planters you can find, and its great results with plants are unchallenged so far.
Lechuza's Cube Cottage Self-Watering Garden Planter is a gorgeous and useful addition to your garden or decor. It's designed with a soil wicking system; the actual planter fits inside a larger box containing the water reservoir. This cube-shaped planter comes with a water gauge and is easy to set up.
Reviewers adore this planter's minimalist yet cozy wicker design. Many report that this is one of the best planters for large plants that need a lot of root room. One caveat to this planter is that plants will need to be manually watered for three months in order to get the system working efficiently.
Some customers warn that Cube Cottage's drainage system isn't the best. Apparently, excess moisture does build up after heavy rainfall, so you will either have to prop the planter up on bricks or avoid using it for plants that don't do well with moist environments. This is still a great choice for indoor plants or moisture-loving specimens!
Some users warn that this pot is small and lightweight, and does tend to tip over more easily than other planters. We recommend not letting the water level get too low, or your planter's top half will become heavier than the base. Otherwise, this is a sweet and simple self-watering planter that's user-friendly to all.
Luchuza's Cubico Self-Watering Planter provides the benefits of a self-watering system with the aesthetic appeal of a matte, modern pot for your plants. This planter has the same setup and wicking system as the Cube Cottage but is taller and narrower for those looking to fit their plants into a corner or thin space.
As with most large Lechuza planters, the directions recommend manual watering for three months if your plant has not fully rooted to the soil of this planter. The soil-filled liner has handles to make it easily removable when you need to refill the reservoir, and it comes with a fairly accurate water gauge.
A common complaint is that this product's color options vary from the advertised shades. This might be a problem if you're looking for the perfect color that matches your interior decor. The instructions are also confusing to many users, so watching the setup video is advised. Otherwise, this is a sleek and effective self-watering planter!
Some users have complained that these planters are too small and light to stay upright when larger plants are put inside. We recommend only using these containers for smaller specimens that won't creep over the rims too much. Still, the minimalist design and ease of use make these planters a fun choice for beginners!
One thing to be wary of according to some customers is that this planter doesn't work well for plants with deep root systems. Still, it boasts a sleek design and is very beginner-friendly. We think this would make a great addition for those who enjoy container gardening or growing herbs for their kitchens.
T4U's Self-Watering Planter comes with high-grade, attractive plastic and a water gauge. The setup for the water gauge is carefully explained on the website, as it can be a bit tricky. Beyond this, however, reviewers note that this planter is very easy to install in their homes or gardens.
There isn't a drainage hole on the outer wall of this planter, but there is one inside that keeps the soil from oversaturating your plants. Reviewers are especially happy that the water gauge keeps up very accurately with the amount of water in this planter, as they always know if their plants have too much water or too little.
Some reviewers have noted that this design isn't the best for outdoor plants, as the plastic reacts to the elements and bugs are able to get into the water reservoir. The refill system is also less efficient than some, as you have to pour the water directly onto the soil. We do think that this is a solid choice for indoor plants, though!
Sungmore's Hanging Self-Watering Planter can double as a hanging planter or as a chic addition to your counter. The bowl is wide and spacious for growing root systems, and the bowl's side has an access port for refilling the reservoir. This same hole lets out excess water, preventing the risk of root rot.
Customers like the fact that the chain and its hooks are fairly durable and able to hold up quite a bit of soil weight. Many have grown creeping plants or ferns in these pots for an even more dramatic look to add to their decor.
With the unique watering-drainage design of this pot, many reviewers have felt safe keeping their plants indoors without fears of spillage. The only downside about this design is that the clips attaching the pot to the chain are not very sturdy and may need replacement. Otherwise, these are great planters with an ingenious design that we readily recommend to anyone.
Gardenix's Self Watering Pots for Indoor Plants includes a watering port for easy reservoir access, a minimalist water gauge, and peats of airy soil to mix in with your potting soil for maximum airflow.
Reviewers love how simple the design of these pots is and promise that the setup is easy. They report that the water gauge is very accurate and easy to read and that the pots themselves are durable and long-lasting.
A few customers have had issues with moisture buildup; there are no drainage holes on the outer wall of this planter, so the wrong type of soil could raise the risk of root rot. We recommend mixing the peat with your own soil for the right balance of moisture retention. Otherwise, these planters are a cute and handy addition to any home!
GardenBasix offers these cute, square self-watering planters for indoor plants, seedlings, and even drier plants such as succulents. The design comes either in an opaque white or clear plastic, the latter of which makes it easier to know when your reservoir needs refilling.
Reviewers report that indoor herbs and violets in particular thrive in these minimalist planters. The size and shape of the containers create the perfect potted plant for a desk or other narrow space, and apparently, they can withstand an accidental tip-over without breaking or spilling.
Customers who prefer the chic white design are less than thrilled about being unable to keep an eye on the water level of these planters. We recommend investing in a water gauge if you want sheer white pots in your home. Beyond that, these are foolproof, chic, and sturdy self-watering pots for indoor plants.
If you've picked your self-watering planter but still have the itch to prove your green thumb, check out these other cool gardening kits and supplies below!
No. 1: HBServices USA|Self Watering and Self Aerating Round Planter Pot|6 inch / 1.6 quart
No. 2: Lechuza|Cube Cottage Self-Watering Garden Planter|Granite Wicker
No. 3: HBS|Self-Watering and Self-Aerating Round Planter|Black
No. 4: Lechuza|Cubico Color Self-Watering Garden Planter|Slate Matte
No. 5: Fengzhitao|Clear Self-Watering Planters |Small, Set of 3
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