Even the most experienced gardener can accidentally kill their plants by over or under-watering. But there's an easy solution to keep your plants healthy— even if you don't have a green thumb.
Self-watering planters make at-home gardening hassle-free by reducing watering frequency and providing your plants with just the right amount of water. Not only do they make plant care less of a chore, but they also keep your plants lush and green without daily watering.
So to help you keep your plants looking their best, we've rounded up the best self-watering planters along with some helpful information to know before you shop.
How do self-watering planters and pots work?
Before you begin shopping for self-watering planters, you'll want to understand how self-watering planters work and if they're the right choice for your plants. Unlike a standard planter, a self-watering container is designed with an internal irrigation system that allows soil and plant roots to soak up water without getting soggy. This typically consists of a water reservoir, drainage hole, and wicking capabilities to keep the soil at an optimal moisture level for plant growth.
While self-watering planters are great for herbs, veggies, flowers, and leafy plants, they aren't the best choice for low-water plants like cacti and succulents that rot easily with overwatering. Most will need to have their water reservoir refilled every one to two weeks, though watering frequency varies from plant to plant.
The Best Self-Watering Planters And Self Watering Pots
West Elm The Simple Self-Watering Pot
Best Overall
The Simple Self-Watering Pot from West Elm takes the hassle out of gardening. Just keep the self-watering saucer system filled with water, and your plants will stay perfectly hydrated no matter the weather. The durable planter is cast from durable, frost-proof stone that can be used in any indoor or outdoor space. Plant lovers can choose from four sleek color options: natural stone, white, lead, and Nero Nuovo.
Premium Rare Orchids 3-Pack of Self-Watering Planters
Best Indoor Self-Watering Planter
Premium Rare Orchids' Self-Watering Planters were designed with picky indoor plants like orchids in mind. According to orchid experts, up to 90% of orchids die due to improper watering, something you can easily prevent with these convenient indoor planters. They're designed with slotted pots for uniform root growth, superior drainage, and proper air ventilation. Each affordable set includes three inner pots and three clear outer pots to display three house plants on a table, windowsill, our countertop.
Lechuza Cubico Cottage Self-Watering Garden Planter
Best Outdoor Self-Watering Planter
This versatile Cubico Cottage Self-Watering Garden Planter is ideal for a front porch, back patio, or apartment balcony. Its self-watering system features a water-level indicator and inorganic granulate compounds to provide plant roots with the perfect amount of water every time. The cube-shaped self-watering container is made in Germany from durable, weather-resistant plastic. It's available in two sizes and three sleek color options: granite, mocha, and white wicker.
Lettuce Grow 12-Plant Hydroponic Growing System Kit with Self-Watering
Best Hydroponic Self-Watering Planter
Growing fresh, healthy veggies at home is easier than ever with Lettuce Grow's 12-Plant Hydroponic Growing System Kit with Self-Watering. The automated hydroponic watering system evenly disperses water without requiring messy soil. Plus, the vertical design saves space and allows you to grow more vegetables in less space. The planter kit includes a tower planter, a water pump, a power cord, a timer, a 130-day supply of plant food, a pH testing kit, stir sticks, and a handy scoop. Lettuce Grow also offers a larger 18-plant option for home gardeners feeling a bit more ambitious.
Room Essentials Self-Watering Planter
Best on a Budget
You don't need to spend a lot of money to snag an effective new self-watering planter. And this affordable Self-Watering Planter from Room Essentials is proof! The versatile round planter features a built-in self-watering system with a built-in tray to hold water and a compact port for easy watering from a watering can or hose. Its hassle-free design allows the plant's roots to soak up just the right amount of water, so you won't need to water as frequently. Plus, Room Essentials offers this lightweight planter in eight color options and three sizes to accommodate any house plant and home decor style.
Eva Solo Self-Watering Herb Organizer
Best for Windowsills
This space-saving Eva Solo Self-Watering Herb Organizer makes growing fresh herbs a breeze! It's the perfect shape and size for a kitchen windowsill or narrow shelf. Its self-watering system keeps delicate herbs alive without constant watering. All you need to do is refill the 500ml water reservoir every few days, and you'll have lush, green herbs in no time! It's designed with a convenient carrying handle that makes it easy to carry it to the sink, cutting board, or straight to the kitchen table. Indoor gardeners can choose from sleek black or chic all-white.
Eva Solo Hanging Self-Watering Pot
Best Hanging Self-Watering Planter
When it comes to hanging self-watering planters, this Hanging Self-Watering Pot from Eva Solo is hard to beat. The practical planter is crafted from matte stoneware with a leather cord for easy hanging. Inside is a carefully designed self-watering system that provides your plant's roots with the perfect amount of water. The plastic plant insert is equipped with a watering channel for easy, spill-free refills.
West Elm Mod Indoor/Outdoor Self-Watering Planters
Best Self-Watering Pot for Container Gardening
Self-watering planters are ideal for first-time container gardeners (or experienced gardeners who just forget to water from time to time). These Mod Indoor/Outdoor Self-Watering Planters from West Elm come in a range of sizes and colors that can be mixed and matched to create the perfect container garden on your back porch, patio, or apartment balcony. They're designed with chip-resistant recycled polyethylene, a double-walled planter for superior root rot protection, and a TruDrop self-watering system that maintains proper water levels for two to six weeks.
HOHY 7.5-inch Self-Watering Planter with Stand
Best Large-Capacity Self-Watering Planter
Moving large plants to the sink or bathtub for their weekly watering session can be a major pain. But with this practical HOHY Self-Watering Planter with Stand, you can skip the hassle altogether. The smart watering system efficiently maintains proper soil moisture levels and keeps your plants looking lush and green. An attached three-leg stand adds a boho feel while protecting your floor from water rings. A built-in alarm function alerts you when the water level gets low, so you never miss a refill again.
MoMA WetPot Self-Watering Pot
Best Miniature Self-Watering Planter
MoMA's WetPot Self-Watering Pots are perfect for desktops, tabletops, and coffee tables. The Swedish pots are made from terracotta with an internal water reservoir made of hand-blown glass. Just fill the reservoir with water, and your plant will absorb small amounts over an extended period to extend time between watering sessions. They're safe for both indoor and outdoor use (above freezing temperatures). There are even three diameters to choose from: 4.9 inches, 6 inches, and 7.4 inches.
Judith Bloom Self-Watering Seed Starter Tray
Best for Starting Seeds
Give your seedlings the best chance at success with Judith Bloom's Self-Watering Seed Starter Tray. The self-watering planter has ten small cells that are the perfect size for starting herbs, vegetables, and flowers. Each cell comes equipped with a drainage hole for optimal watering and air circulation. A water reservoir tray holds just the right amount of water for growing a strong root system that leads to larger plants. The eco-friendly terracotta materials add a minimalist, modern touch to any tabletop, kitchen, or patio.
Vondom Marquis Self-Watering Planter
Most Stylish
Looking for a self-watering planter that doesn't sacrifice style? You'll love the Marquis Self-Watering Planter from Vondom. Its dynamic, modern shape is inspired by faceted diamonds cut for maximum visual impact. The molded polyethylene resin is UV-resistant, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. Vondom offers the stylish planter in various sizes, colors, and finishes to complement any interior or exterior space. It pairs particularly well with minimalist, modern, and eclectic design styles.
Urban Outfitters Izzie Self-Watering Planter
Best Ceramic Self-Watering Planter
Urban Outfitters' Izzie Self-Watering Planter offers the perfect balance of practicality and style. The stylish self-watering planter features a rounded ceramic vase atop a stunning glass watering vessel. A built-in self-watering system keeps your indoor plants looking lush on your coffee table, countertop, or bedroom corner without needing frequent watering. Indoor gardeners can choose between chic clear or vintage-inspired green glass. Consider it the perfect addition to your apartment, dorm room, or office space.
Hydrofarm Tomato Garden Grow System with Trellis and Self-Watering Reservoir
Best for Growing Tomatoes
You don't need a traditional vegetable garden bed to grow plump, juicy tomatoes. With Hydrofarm's Tomato Garden Grow System with Trellis and Self-Watering Reservoir, you can grow them on any porch, patio, or balcony. The 10-gallon self-watering planter is designed with an expandable trellis and easy-to-fill reservoir system that supports healthy vegetable growth. In addition to tomatoes, Hydrofarm's Self-Watering Planters can be used to grow beans, peas, and other climbing plants and flowers.
