Did you forget to water your plants before leaving to work?
You love plants but have no green thumb?
Is watering plants a thing you never get to remember?
No worries!
I got the best self-watering planters to do the work for you.
Here are the best self watering planters you can buy in 2024:
- Best Overall (Single-Plant Pots): HBServices USA Large 10” Self-Watering + Aerating + High Drainage Deep Reservoir Modern Round Planter
- Best For Succulent - Single-Plant Pots (Single-Plant Pots): T4U 6 Inch Self Watering Planters
- Best For Succulent - Single-Plant Pots (Single-Plant Pots): DecoPots Self Watering Planter - Best for flowers - Single-Plant Pots
- Best For Succulent - Single-Plant Pots (Single-Plant Pots): T4U Self Watering Planters - Best overall - Large Containers
- Best For Herbs (Large Containers): Lechuza 15683 Balconera Color 80 Self-Watering Garden Planter
- Best For Orchid (Large Containers): GardenBasix Elongated Self Watering Planter
| 6 Best Self Watering Planters | ||
|---|---|---|
Best Overall | HBServices USA Large 10” Self-Watering + Aerating + High Drainage Deep Reservoir Modern Round Planter
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Best For Succulent - Single-Plant Pots | T4U 6 Inch Self Watering Planters
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Best For Succulent - Single-Plant Pots | DecoPots Self Watering Planter - Best For Flowers - Single-Plant Pots
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Best For Succulent - Single-Plant Pots | T4U Self Watering Planters - Best Overall - Large Containers
| |
Best For Herbs | Lechuza 15683 Balconera Color 80 Self-Watering Garden Planter
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Best For Orchid | GardenBasix Elongated Self Watering Planter
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Single-Plant Pots
Best Overall (Single-Plant Pots): HBServices USA Large 10” Self-Watering + Aerating + High Drainage Deep Reservoir Modern Round Planter
- UV resistant
- Easy to refill
- 2-week deep reservoir
- No fade
- Not budget
- Flimsy when filling in soil
Functional? Easy to use? Durable? All you can find in this reservoir.
The pot features a water tank that can supply water for your plants in two weeks. When you need to refill, just lift the above pot.
Now the pot itself is well-designed with large open slats on the bottom. These holes are responsible for keeping the soil aerated as well as preventing the formation of mold.
Though I'm not keen on plastic, this unit has a glossy finish that is hard to resist. It doesn't even look plastic once it's all set with plants. More than that, plastic is lightweight, so that you can easily move this unit around.
What I most appreciate is the design with studs at the bottom that allows you to lift the entire planter at once. Better yet, it leaves no mark on your expensive carpet.
And more, you can leave this pot out in the sun. The Polypropylene (PP) material is stabilized to resist UV. It also doesn't leak chemicals into the environment. Plus, it retains the pristine color even when placed outside.
| HBServices USA Large 10” Self-Watering + Aerating + High Drainage Deep Reservoir Modern Round Planter Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimensions | 10 x 10 x 9.2 inches |
Weight | 16 ounces |
Material | Polypropylene (PP) |
Highlight features | Made from stabilized PP material No wear, no fade under the sun Bottom slats to prevent mold and fungi Bottom stubs prevent stain on the floor and carpet |
If not about the style, this planter gives you everything you need for the functional self-watering planter.
Best For Succulent (Single-Plant Pots): T4U 6 Inch Self Watering Planters
- Made from lightweight resin
- Beautiful matte finish
- Durable under sunlight
- Prevent nutrition loss
- No water indicator
For desert plants, this 6-inch compact planter is all you need. Since succulents don't drink much, you only need a bit of water.
The plastic pot features a bottom that can hold some water to keep your succulent constant moisturized for a long while.
But the more important factor of a pot for succulents is drainage. You can find at the bottom a dish to hold excessive water. So, no worries about your plants getting drowned.
Made from lightweight resin, the pot is pretty firm, not as flimsy as plastic. It's ok to use this planter outside as it's sun-tolerable.
The black color does match any decoration. With the matte finish on the surface, it's easy to find a spot for this unit.
This planter makes a great gift for anyone, even ones who don't plant as a hobby.
| T4U 6 Inch Self Watering Planters Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimensions | 6 x 4 x 5 inches |
Weight | 2.1 pounds |
Material | Resin |
Highlight features | Lightweight resin Simple modern style Internal drainage resevoir |
In reality, you can leave your succulent without watering for months, planting in this pot.
Best For Flowers (Single-Plant Pots): DecoPots Self Watering Planter - Best for flowers - Single-Plant Pots
- Well-made plastic
- Good ventilation
- Durable
- Hold water for 4 weeks
- Flimsy when soil filled in
This beautiful set of three planters is great for keeping your flowers fed and healthy. The tank at the bottom can hold enough water for flowers to drink in 4 weeks.
First of all, it's made to be free from BPA and VOC so as to be safe for flowers, even edible plants.
What's best is the special design that keeps the water safe from insects. No bugs can get inside the pot.
There is a water indicator so that you know if your plants are drinking. It's actually a small see-through window that lets you look inside so that you can monitor the water.
The whole unit includes 2 pieces: the inner pot and the external layer. The inner pot is where you fill soil. It's got drainage holes that allow air circulation. That enables the root to breathe properly for healthy growth.
One more thing is the polished finish that looks elegant right from the first glance. It can fit in any decoration style with a variety of color choices.
The material is also quite durable to withstand elements. Feel free to place this pot outside under the sunlight.
| DecoPots Self Watering Planter - Best For Flowers - Single-Plant Pots Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimensions | 14.2 x 12.9 x 12.2 inches |
Weight | 4.29 pounds |
Material | Plastic |
Highlight features | Made from high-quality plastic that is durable and safe to grow plants Smart design for well drainage and air circulation Nice-looking to match any style See-through window for checking water level |
Growing flowers requires lots of watering, but you can leave that responsibility to this versatile planter.
Large Containers
Best Overall (Large Containers): T4U Self Watering Planters - Best overall - Large Containers
- Double-layer construction
- Long-lasting
- Fade-free
- Convenient water inlet
- Safe for edible plants
- I see no downside
Using this planter to plant multiple flowers is super ideal as you don't get to water it frequently.
The pot is a double-layer unit with the bottom base removable. This base also plays a role in keeping water to provide constant moisture to the plant. In the main container, there is a drainage hole for water to leak out.
You will also like the quality of the planter. It's made from premium polyethylene that will last a long while and as well stay its pristine color unless it's forced to be broken.
And, you don't need to lift the upper pot to refill water but use the water inlet. You can refill water as well as replacing dirty water quickly right through this hole.
The double-wall structure is another thing worth mentioning. It makes use of 100% high-grade polyethylene, which makes the unit exceptionally durable. More than that, the planter keeps its color like forever.
The planter is best to be placed on the windowsill. It's suitable to accommodate a variety of plants and safe for growing edible plants.
| T4U Self Watering Planters - Best Overall - Large Containers Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimensions | 15"L x 6"W x 6.5"H |
Weight | 12.7 ounces |
Material | 100% polyethylene |
Highlight features | Ultra-hard quality from 100% polyethylene Double-wall structure Built-in water inlet |
The planter is great in every way, from the premium quality to the high aestheticism that brags any corner it stands.
Best For Herbs (Large Containers): Lechuza 15683 Balconera Color 80 Self-Watering Garden Planter
- Include a water indicator
- Large reservoir holds water up to 12 weeks
- Sleek design
- Hide-away brackets
- Pricy
- Heavy
This planter caught me right from the first glance. It features two compartments that are perfect for growing different kinds of herbs to serve your cooking.
What attracted me was the slate matte finish that looks solid and tough.
Its design touches in a high-aesthetic way in which the water support system is hidden in the back. That creates a minimalistic appearance to fit into any modern-decoration style.
More than that, the container comes with a water-level indicator that tells you when to refill. Compared to other models, you don't even have to remove the top. So, no more guesswork.
The reservoir can hold water to feed plants in up to 12 weeks. That means you can travel for 3 months without worrying about the health of your plant.
| Lechuza 15683 Balconera Color 80 Self-Watering Garden Planter Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimensions | 31 x 7 x 7 inches |
Weight | 9 pounds |
Material | N/A |
Highlight features | Elegant design Easy to transport with the carrying handles Convenient hidden brackets Water-level indicator included |
It's almost impossible to make derogatory remarks about this planter. You will love it forever.
Best For Orchid (Large Containers): GardenBasix Elongated Self Watering Planter
- Beautiful look for orchids
- Water indicator included
- Easy to refill water via the inlet
- Durable plastic
- The inner pot is a bit shallow
Planting orchids doesn't require much watering but a bit of style in displaying. This is the container you need.
The planter has a stylish and simple appearance that fits the elegance of orchids. It's treated with a lacquer to have a high glossy surface.
Though made from plastic, it's a supreme quality planter that tolerates elements when sitting outside. So, even standing outdoors, the pot won't lose its shape and color.
What makes it suitable for such plant is the system of multiple drainage holes at the bottom. That allows proper airflow and moisture distribution throughout the roots.
It also includes 4 coconut coir soil; each contains 1 quart of fluffy fiber to supply the plants' nutrients.
Better yet, the container also comes with an indicator to let you observe the water levels. It's got a minimum mark so that you know it's time to fill in water.
When you need to inject water, locate the inlet. No need to lift the container. It's also convenient for draining out contents inside the basin.
| GardenBasix Elongated Self Watering Planter Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimensions | 5.5 x 16 x 5.5 inches |
Weight | 2.46 pounds |
Material | High-quality plastic |
Highlight features | Durable plastic Include 4 coco coir disks and a water indicator Water inlet for easy water injection |
You and your orchids will both love this planter because it keeps the plant healthy and displays it.
How To Choose The Best Self Watering Planter?
Choosing a planter seems easy, as many people think it's just the design that matters. However, a self-watering planter is different as it comes with more features than an ordinary one.
So, this part is so important that I don't want you to skip if you want to buy the best self-watering planter. Please keep reading.
Type of base
Wicking base of a self-watering planter commonly uses two types of wicking materials: rope and soil.
The rope is a porous medium that can draw water from the reservoir to the soil.
On the other hand, soil wick is the soil itself that drives water from the bottom to the plants' dirt. This type is best suitable for mature plants as they have grown roots strong enough to source water.
Water indicator
You need to know when to refill water. And a water indicator helps you regulate water levels. Make sure the gauge is accurate.
In fact, it's ok to not have the water gauge, but the planter should come with a separate base so that you can remove the top to refill.
Size and shape
These factors rely a lot on your preference. What's most important is you should measure your display corner before buying. This action is quite helpful for choosing planters of big size.
Drainage holes
It seems like an old thing to mention, but I'm sure I'm not being such a nag to keep saying about drainage holes.
Yes. Your planter must have drainage holes, and they have to be above the water reservoir.
For what?
They allow excess water to drip to the bottom. And they also allow air and moisture to travel to prevent rotten roots.
Planter material
If you choose cheap plastic, likely, the pot won't last one season. Typically plastic is prone to crack if left under sunlight. But high-quality polyethylene can produce super durable planters.
The material also offers a range of designs, colors, and prices. Besides, 100% PE planters are lightweight and safe for planting vegetables.
Which Brands Make The Best Self Watering Planter?
T4U
T4U, aka Think For You, is a reliable brand for home gardening. The manufacturer produces a range of flower pots and planters in abundant sizes, shapes, colors, and features. Self-watering planters from the brand are all made from premium-quality material to last several seasons. Not only that, but they also have eye-catching designed planters that fit most decoration styles.
LECHUZA's
Planters from LECHUZA's own distinctive features and exceptional durability. Not to mention the designs of the pots are no-where-to-be-found. All the planters from the brand promise to spice up your living space to another level.
FAQs
Are self watering planters good?
I don't see any harm but good. A self-watering planter can be the best way to grow plants with less effort. It ensures your plant sufficient water and moisture to stay healthy.
The best part is you don't have to water your plants regularly. You can leave water in the reservoir then leave it to work. Your plants will know where to drink from.
What plants grow well in self watering pots?
There is a vast range of plants to grow in self-watering containers. The most common plants are:
- Perennials: hostas, Iris ensata,…
- Annuals: Lobelia erinus, snowy meadowfoam,…
- Herbs: Thyme, rosemary, basils, dill,…
- Tropical plants: Coleus, peace lilies,…
- Vegetables: Cabbage, carrots, cilantro, garlic, cherry tomatoes…
Do self watering planters cause root rot?
It's unlikely for a self-watering planter to cause root rot to a regular plant. But if you feed succulent, orchid, and deserted plants, the high chance is you're going to get the plant to drown.
How do you fill a self watering planter?
Self-watering planters have a reservoir that contains the wicking medium where you will fill. Many models feature a water inlet, which you can pour water and drain it without taking off the upper container.
If the reservoir is built-in, just mark the day you fill water and refill periodically. The hard part is you have to remember when to refill.
That's why you can use an external water level meter piked into the soil to measure. Then, you can monitor the amount of water to fill every time.
Do self watering planters need drainage holes?
Besides the water tank at the bottom, self-watering containers have overflow holes for excess water to drain.
These drainage holes are extremely important on any planter. Without them, water can't wick away, causing your plant to be drowned.
Conclusion
Indeed, it is ideal to have the best self-watering planters to grow plants because they save you a good amount of time watering.
Not to mention, these items make the world of black thumbs, frequent travelers, and forgetful people easier on planting.
Now, all you need to do is follow my guide and pick the most suitable planter.
Questions? Just leave them in the comment box.
Thank you for reading.
Harry RamosI’m Harry Ramos, who's crazy about all things green. I’m here to share some experience in my gardening adventure and how to choose the best products for your garden. Let's dig in, get our hands dirty, and celebrate the simple, earthy pleasures of the garden together!
