Always forgetting to water your plants? These self-watering planters will make your life so much easier

CNN

26-02-2025

Self-watering planter quick picks
Hanging self-watering planters: Melphoe Self-Watering Hanging Planters, 2-Pack
Ceramic self-watering planters: Sunnychicc African Violet Self-Watering Ceramic Planters, 2-Pack
Self-watering planter and propagation set: Uncommon Goods Self-Watering Planter and Propagation System
Self-watering planter for orchids: Eva Solo Self-Watering Orchid Pot
Self-watering planters for your windowsill: OurWarm Windowsill Herb Planters, 3-Pack Self-watering planters aren't just for plant novices, forgetful people or overzealous waterers. Even the best plant parents can benefit from having a self-watering planter (or two) since they eliminate the guesswork around hydrating your plants.
'A self-watering planter is essentially a plant pot with a built-in reservoir that supplies water directly to the plant's roots,' Angelika Zaber, a lawn care specialist and gardening expert at Online Turf, says. 'This reservoir is typically located at the base of the planter, helping to maintain consistent moisture levels and reducing the need for frequent watering.'
Compared to traditional planters, self-watering ones offer several benefits. 'They require less frequent watering, making them ideal for busy gardeners or people who travel frequently,' Zaber says. 'They also promote deep root growth, as plants naturally draw water from below rather than relying on surface watering.'
That said, self-watering planters aren't the best choice for plants that prefer drier conditions like succulents and cacti. Lotte Berendsen, a gardening expert for the app PlantIn, notes that while self-watering planters work for most plants, certain types will benefit more from them. 'This includes mostly plants that love moisture and humidity, such as calatheas, ferns, begonias and aroids,' she says.
Because we know how difficult it can be to properly care for your plants, we consulted several gardening experts to get their tips on shopping for self-watering planters and their recommendations.
Room Essentials Self-Watering Indoor/Outdoor Planter
According to Berendsen, this Target find is a great option for anyone looking for a hassle-free planter that's simple and elegant. It's available in four sizes, ranging from 8 inches to 20 inches in diameter, and the smallest version of this planter costs just $3, making it the most budget-friendly option on our list. 'This pot does not have a wicking system but relies on bottom watering,' she says. 'This means it is important to let the soil dry out before filling the reservoir. When used correctly, this planter will help your plants grow big, strong and lush.'
Melphoe Self-Watering Hanging Planters, 2-Pack
Zaber says this set of two self-watering planters is a great addition to any space since it can be used indoors and outdoors. 'They are also available in a variety of colors, including clear, emerald and gray.' Complete with a metal chain for outdoor use, these hanging planters have a cotton wick rope that delivers water directly to the plant's roots. Read our review
Glowpear Self-Watering Planter
'This modular, expandable planter is perfect for balconies and patios in urban areas because it has a deep reservoir,' Andrew Porwol, a garden and landscape expert and the founder of Sapcote Garden Centre, says. Able to accommodate a little over 13 liters of water, the 29.5-inch planter has a drip tray to prevent spills and a water gauge that lets you easily check the water level. The planter is also BPA-free and food-safe.
Ikea PS Fejö Self-Watering Pot
Complete with wheels for mobility, this self-watering pot from Ikea is a great option for both indoor trees and houseplants like dracaenas, according to Melvin Cubian, a gardening expert for the app PlantIn. He also appreciates that the planter has an attractive design (though it only comes in two colors), is lightweight and is easy to put together.
Greenery Unlimited Franklin Self-Watering Planter
'This self-watering pot from Amazon is a true design piece,' Berendsen says. 'It's made from durable glazed ceramics and uses subirrigation technology to provide moisture for your plants. This means that it allows the plant roots to absorb the water directly from the reservoir!' The planter is available in three colors — Cobalt, Canary and Salmon — and two sizes to accommodate your plants.
OurWarm Windowsill Herb Planters, 3-Pack
'This self-watering planter is a perfect choice if you're planning to grow herbs,' Zaber says. 'My favorite feature of this product is the water level window, which allows you to monitor how much water your herbs have left.' Complete with water injection ports so you can add water to the planters without disrupting the plants, the set of three can be used to grow flowers, herbs and more.
Eva Solo Self-Watering Orchid Pot
If you're looking for a self-watering planter for an orchid, Cubian recommends this one from Eva Solo. 'Orchids require high humidity, but not [a] soggy [environment], in order to thrive,' Cubian says. 'This planter features a nylon wick, offering the right amount of water absorption from the reservoir.' He also says the see-through design at the top of the planter makes it a suitable choice for orchids because the roots need to be exposed to the light.
Uncommon Goods Self-Watering Planter and Propagation System
'This unique self-watering pot combines two of our favorite things: easy plant care and propagation,' Berendsen says. 'With this pot, you're getting an all-in-one. You can grow a healthy and happy plant in the terra-cotta self-watering planter and grow cuttings in the water vessel right next to it!" Berendsen says the planter is a great option when it comes to water preservation because the water from the propagation vessel is also used to water the plant, eliminating any waste.
Ynnico Self-Watering Planters, 6-Pack
Looking for a self-watering planter with a timeless style? Zaber recommends these durable planters from Ynnico, which are budget-friendly and available in multiple sizes and colors, including a pretty sage green. A set of six in various sizes costs just $25, which is a great option if you need a self-watering pot for multiple plants.
Gardenix Decor Self-Watering Planters, 3-Pack
Cubian recommends this high-quality set of planters, which, as he points out, include a water level indicator and coco peat pucks (a growing medium for plants made from coconut husk). He also says the planter is easy to set up and has an inner plant holder that keeps the roots out of sitting water.
Pikkii Self-Care Planter
This charming planter, a favorite of Berendsen's, will add a little character to your space. 'This pot uses a wicking system most creatively,' she says. 'The wicks are little feet that are dangling in the water reservoir.' Berendsen notes that the planter is capable of keeping your plant hydrated for up to eight weeks, thanks to the generously sized water reservoir.
Santino Self-Watering Planter
Porwol recommends this self-watering planter from Santino, which he describes as an 'elegant choice for both indoor and outdoor use.' Available in four sizes and eight colors to suit a number of different spaces, the planter comprises an inner and external pot. A clear window in the external pot allows you to monitor the water level, while the drainage plug at the bottom allows you to expel excess water.
Sunnychicc African Violet Self-Watering Ceramic Planters, 2-Pack
One of Zaber's picks, these ceramic planters comprise an inner and an outer pot. 'As the name suggests, these planters are more durable than plastic ones and are perfect for growing African violets,' she says.
TCBWFY Self-Watering Pots, 10-Pack
Zaber also recommends these planters from Amazon, which have a window that allows you to monitor the water level. A great option for anyone looking to line their windowsill or decorate their shelves, the 3-inch planters come as a set of 10, while the 5-inch planters come as a set of five. According to Berendsen, there are several types of self-watering planters, but most use a wicking system. 'This means that there are wicks inside of the pot that are connected from your plant's soil and roots directly to the water reservoir,' she says. 'Other self-watering planters allow your plant's roots to grow directly into the reservoir. When the soil is dry, your plant's roots draw moisture from the soil surrounding it.'
With a self-watering planter, the plant roots will be able to absorb as much moisture as they need from the reservoir, compared to traditional planters where the roots can only draw from the moisture in the soil, Berendsen says.
Think about the size and material
When shopping for self-watering planters, Zaber recommends looking for ones that will work well in your space but are large enough to accommodate your plants. She also suggests buying plastic self-watering planters for those looking for affordable, lightweight options and ceramic planters for those wanting something more durable and decorative. If you're planning to buy a planter for outdoor use, Porwol recommends shopping for options that are 'resistant to UV rays because some plastic planters deteriorate with time.'
Make sure it's suitable for the type of plant you have
According to Berendsen, it's important to take the type of plant you're potting into consideration. 'Do some research into your houseplant,' she says. 'How much water does it need? Does it need a lot of room for its roots? Does it appreciate high humidity?' If you're planning to pot edible plants (like herbs), Lorraine Ballato, a horticulturist and author, says you should make sure the self-watering planter is food-safe.
Consider the design
'Look for a detachable reservoir access point to guarantee simple cleaning and avoid algae accumulation,' Porwol says, adding that you'll want to keep the size of the reservoir in mind as well, since larger ones require fewer refills. Because self-watering planters can be used outdoors too, Cubian says it's important that the planter's design allows for the release of excess water, especially in areas that experience a lot of rain.
Don't overlook a planter's wicking mechanism either, Porwol says. 'An often ignored aspect is the wicking mechanism,' he says. 'While some planters use soil columns or fabric strips, models with wick height adjustments enable better moisture control according to plant requirements.'
The following FAQs have been answered by gardening experts Angelika Zaber, Lotte Berendsen and Melvin Cubian.
Can you overwater a plant with a self-watering planter?
Can you overwater a plant with a self-watering planter?
It is possible to overwater your plant. 'Many people believe that self-watering pots are completely foolproof, but this is sadly not true,' Berendsen says. 'If you keep your plant sitting in water excessively, overwatering will be inevitable.'
What is the best wicking material for self-watering planters?
What is the best wicking material for self-watering planters?
'Personally, I think nylon is the best choice,' Zaber says, adding that the material works well in different size planters, won't rot and is long-lasting.
What is the best potting mix for self-watering planters?
What is the best potting mix for self-watering planters?
'The best potting mix depends on the plant you are using,' Cubian says. 'However, using a premixed universal soil mixture is always your go-to.'
For succulents, Cubian recommends using a cactus substrate or a sandy mixture. He also says you can make your own mixture for your planters using perlite, coco peat and regular soil. 'This well-aerated medium allows capillary action while providing optimal gas exchange in the roots,' he says. 'Some brands also provide specific media for their designs, such as vacuum-sealed coco peat.'
How should you clean a self-watering planter?
How should you clean a self-watering planter?
According to Ballato, self-watering planters can be cleaned the same way you'd clean regular planters. 'Clean at the end of the season or when repotting, or at the beginning of a new season,' she says.
Cubian recommends using a soft brush and a mix of bleach and detergent to clean the interior of the planter. 'Some planters are also dishwasher-safe for a hassle-free cleaning,' he says.
Because Ballato doesn't like how corrosive bleach is, she cleans her planters with rubbing alcohol and hydrogen peroxide products. 'They do the job just as well and are much more friendly to the environment, the gardener and the pot,' she says.
For this article, we consulted the following experts to gain their professional insights on the best self-watering planters.
Lorraine Ballato, horticulturist and author
Lotte Berendsen, gardening expert for PlantIn
Melvin Cubian, gardening expert for PlantIn
Andrew Porwol, garden and landscape expert and founder of Sapcote Garden Centre
Angelika Zaber, lawn care specialist and gardening expert at Online Turf CNN Underscored has a team of writers and editors who have many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products, and they ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when it makes sense to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item. For this article, our editorial coordinator Rachel Dennis interviewed gardening experts who shared their tips on shopping for self-watering planters along with their recommendations.