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  • 10 Best Self-Watering Planters in 2022 (Master Gardener-Reviewed) 1
  • 10 Best Self-Watering Planters in 2022 (Master Gardener-Reviewed) 2
  • 10 Best Self-Watering Planters in 2022 (Master Gardener-Reviewed) 3
  • 10 Best Self-Watering Planters in 2022 (Master Gardener-Reviewed) 4
  • 10 Best Self-Watering Planters in 2022 (Master Gardener-Reviewed) 5

10 Best Self-Watering Planters in 2022 (Master Gardener-Reviewed)

Are you worried that your plant will wither while you're on vacation? Do you want a more effective watering system? Whether you forget to water your plants or have a tendency to drown them, self-watering planters can be a lifesaver. But which planter is the best one for you?

We've done the research for you and curated a list of the 10 best self-watering planters on the market. Our favorite is HBServices' Self-Watering and Self-Aerating Planter Pot. This clever, simple planter keep your plants hydrated and ensures an excellent airflow around the soil base as well. Check out our list and buying guide reviewed by a master gardener and homestead blogger below for more fantastic planters and tips!
Last updated 09/26/2023

Quick List - Top Self-Watering Planter

1

HBServices USA

Self Watering and Self Aerating Round Planter Pot6 inch / 1.6 quart
Self Watering and Self Aerating Round Planter Pot

An All-Purpose Planter With Excellent Airflow

2

Lechuza

Cube Cottage Self-Watering Garden PlanterGranite Wicker
Cube Cottage Self-Watering Garden Planter

Plenty of Growing Room in This Chic Indoor-Outdoor Planter

3

HBS

Self-Watering and Self-Aerating Round PlanterBlack
Self-Watering and Self-Aerating Round Planter

Best Budget-Friendly Planter

4

Lechuza

Cubico Color Self-Watering Garden PlanterSlate Matte
Cubico Color Self-Watering Garden Planter

Tall and Elegant for a Modern Look

5

Fengzhitao

Clear Self-Watering Planters Small, Set of 3
Clear Self-Watering Planters

Simple, Chic Containers for Small Indoor Plants

Amy Jeanroy
Expert
Master Gardener, Homestead Blogger
Amy Jeanroy

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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mybest US Editors

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The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.

Table of Contents

Why Use a Self-Watering Planter?

Why Use a Self-Watering Planter?

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.

How to Choose a Self-Watering Planter – Buying Guide

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. 

1

Decide Between a Soil or Rope Wick

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 for Single Pots

Rope Wicks for Single Pots

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 Work With More Than One Plant

Soil Wicks Work With More Than One Plant

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. 

2

Be Sure Your Planter Has Drainage Holes

Be Sure Your Planter Has Drainage Holes
Your plants need water to survive, but if they have more water than they need, it can become a problem. If your plant's soil is oversaturated with water, its roots will begin to rot. For this reason, every self-watering planter must have drainage holes. 

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. 

3

Invest in a Water Gauge

Invest in a Water Gauge
Water reservoirs are covered and therefore evaporate very slowly. However, you'll still want an easy way to keep track of the water levels in your planter. Some self-watering planters come with built-in water gauges. You can also buy a water gauge separately or even make your own! 


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. 

4

Pick the Best Size for Your Plant and the Best Shape for Your Room

Pick the Best Size for Your Plant and the Best Shape for Your Room

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

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10 Best Self-Watering Planters

Here are our picks for the 10 best self-watering plants. We've curated this list base on ease of use for beginners, additional features that will make caring for your plant even easier, and how long each planter will efficiently water your plants.  *Please note that these products were chosen after extensive research by mybest writers. The choices are not necessarily affiliated with or recommended by Amy Jeanroy. For more on our selection process, check out our content policy.
Popularity

Products

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Key features

1

HBServices USA

Self Watering and Self Aerating Round Planter Pot6 inch / 1.6 quart

HBServices USA Self Watering and Self Aerating Round Planter Pot 1

An All-Purpose Planter With Excellent Airflow

2

Lechuza

Cube Cottage Self-Watering Garden PlanterGranite Wicker

Lechuza Cube Cottage Self-Watering Garden Planter 1

Plenty of Growing Room in This Chic Indoor-Outdoor Planter

3

HBS

Self-Watering and Self-Aerating Round PlanterBlack

HBS Self-Watering and Self-Aerating Round Planter 1

Best Budget-Friendly Planter

4

Lechuza

Cubico Color Self-Watering Garden PlanterSlate Matte

Lechuza Cubico Color Self-Watering Garden Planter 1

Tall and Elegant for a Modern Look

5

Fengzhitao

Clear Self-Watering Planters Small, Set of 3

Fengzhitao Clear Self-Watering Planters  1

Simple, Chic Containers for Small Indoor Plants

6

GardenBasix

Elongated Self-Watering Window BoxWhite

GardenBasix Elongated Self-Watering Window Box 1

Kitchen Herbs are Perfect for This Sleek Box

7

T4U

Plastic Self Watering Planter With Water Level IndicatorWhite, Set of 4

T4U Plastic Self Watering Planter With Water Level Indicator 1

A Sensible Planter With a Great Water Gauge

8

Sungmor

Bowl-Shaped Hanging Self-Watering PlanterEmer Green, Small

Sungmor Bowl-Shaped Hanging Self-Watering Planter 1

Hang It or Make It a Beautiful Countertop Addition

9

Gardenix Decor

Self Watering pots for Indoor PlantsWhite, Set of 2

Gardenix Decor Self Watering pots for Indoor Plants 1

A Simple, Sturdy, and Elegant Self-Watering Planter Set

10

GardenBasix

Self Watering Planter Foolproof Indoor Home Garden Modern Decorative PotWhite, Set of 3

GardenBasix Self Watering Planter Foolproof Indoor Home Garden Modern Decorative Pot 1

A Self-Watering System for Indoor Plants and Seedlings

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

HBServices USA
Self Watering and Self Aerating Round Planter Pot6 inch / 1.6 quart

Self Watering and Self Aerating Round Planter Pot 1
Source:amazon.com
Self Watering and Self Aerating Round Planter Pot 2
Source:amazon.com
Self Watering and Self Aerating Round Planter Pot 3
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$9.97
Low Mid
Reference price
$9.97
Low Mid

An All-Purpose Planter With Excellent Airflow

This self-watering planter comes in a variety of sizes, the larger of which have deep reservoirs that can hold up to two weeks of water. A patented slot design at the wick entrances to this planters reservoir allows for plenty of airflow, so you won't have to worry about your soil not breathing well. 

Reviewers laud the efficiency and usefulness of this planter, saying it keeps their soil evenly moist and gives their plants' roots plenty of space to grow. They also note that the spout leading into the reservoir makes it very easy to refill, and the simple design of the pot fits well indoors or out. 

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. 

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No.2

Lechuza
Cube Cottage Self-Watering Garden PlanterGranite Wicker

Reference price
$116.09
High

Plenty of Growing Room in This Chic Indoor-Outdoor Planter

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!

No.3

HBS
Self-Watering and Self-Aerating Round PlanterBlack

Reference price
$7.95
Low

Best Budget-Friendly Planter

HBS' compact, easy-to-use planter comes in four different colors and holds enough water to give your plants up to two weeks of hydration. The potting container is raised above the reservoir to prevent excess moisture, and the reservoir itself is easily removable for refilling. 

Reviewers write that it’s incredibly easy to use and refill. They report that almost all sorts of indoor plants thrive with the self-aerating design. Many also use it as a starter for young plants that will need repotting later on. 


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. 

No.4

Lechuza
Cubico Color Self-Watering Garden PlanterSlate Matte

Reference price
$49.91
High Mid

Tall and Elegant for a Modern Look

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!

No.5

Fengzhitao
Clear Self-Watering Planters Small, Set of 3

Reference price
$13.99
Mid

Simple, Chic Containers for Small Indoor Plants

For those who might forget to check the gauge or refill the reservoir, these self-watering planters come in a clear design that makes it easy to tell when your reservoir is running low. Simply pour water into the refill hole to replenish your reservoir and let your plants grow!

Reviewers write that these pots are durable, effective, and easy to use correctly. Many have reported especially good results with small indoor plants such as violets, but the compact nature of these planters makes them a great choice for seedling starts as well. 

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!

No.6

GardenBasix
Elongated Self-Watering Window BoxWhite

Reference price
$24.99
Mid

Kitchen Herbs are Perfect for This Sleek Box

GardenBasix's Elongated Self-Watering Box is great for a small window sill or for those who don’t have a lot of space. It comes with light coconut coir soil that allows for easy aeration but isn't meant to be the main soil source for your plants. We recommend mixing a different soil for more nutrients. 

This self-watering planter has all the basics, including a water gauge and a port for easy refills. Reviewers write that the water gauge is quite accurate and that this planter works wonderfully for windowsill gardening and assorted herbs.

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. 

No.7

T4U
Plastic Self Watering Planter With Water Level IndicatorWhite, Set of 4

Reference price
$19.99
Mid

A Sensible Planter With a Great Water Gauge

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!

No.8

Sungmor
Bowl-Shaped Hanging Self-Watering PlanterEmer Green, Small

Reference price
$25.99
Mid

Hang It or Make It a Beautiful Countertop Addition

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. 

No.9

Gardenix Decor
Self Watering pots for Indoor PlantsWhite, Set of 2

Reference price
$17.88
Mid

A Simple, Sturdy, and Elegant Self-Watering Planter Set

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!

No.10

GardenBasix
Self Watering Planter Foolproof Indoor Home Garden Modern Decorative PotWhite, Set of 3

Reference price
$10.99
Low Mid

A Self-Watering System for Indoor Plants and Seedlings

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. 

Top 5 Self-Watering Planter

No. 1: HBServices USASelf Watering and Self Aerating Round Planter Pot6 inch / 1.6 quart

No. 2: LechuzaCube Cottage Self-Watering Garden PlanterGranite Wicker

No. 3: HBSSelf-Watering and Self-Aerating Round PlanterBlack

No. 4: LechuzaCubico Color Self-Watering Garden PlanterSlate Matte

No. 5: FengzhitaoClear Self-Watering Planters Small, Set of 3

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