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Spring is here, and so is the itch to exercise our green thumbs. If waiting for the last frost to break soil in your garden feels too far away, you can focus your energy on your indoor plants in the meantime.
When it comes to houseplants, one thing to know is that even the ones that are easy to care for have unique needs when it comes to how much water they need to thrive. Even talented gardeners may find that juggling each plant’s needs— along with the everyday demands of life— can be challenging.
Still, that doesn't mean filling your space with luscious greenery is out of the question! For those who need some extra support keeping plants on their watering schedule or have a travel-packed season coming up, self-watering planters are just the solution to making sure your indoor plants thrive no matter what.
Self-watering planters work by drawing water from an internal reservoir — usually via a fabric cord or porous terra-cotta barrier. This moistens the soil, and from there, the plant's roots can absorb the amount of water they need. This method helps prevent hard-to-fix issues from overwatering, such as root rot. If you have tropical plants that require keeping the soil moist, a self-watering planter can help prevent them from drying out; you'll just need to keep the reservoir topped off more often.
Whether you're a longtime horticulture enthusiast or new to the houseplant game, these nine self-watering planters will keep your greens happy and thriving.
The Best Self-Watering Planters
- Terra Cotta and Glass: D'vine Dev Terra Cotta Planter with Cylinder Glass Cup (Set of 2)
- High-Tech Herb Growing: AeroGarden Harvest Elite 360 Indoor Garden Hydroponic System
- Best Succulent Option: GARDENIX DECOR Self-Watering Succulent Plant Holders
- Best Budget Herb Planter: Amazing Creation Window Herb Planter Box
- Best Porch Planter: Lark Manor White Kentshire Pot Planter
What to Consider
As with any home purchase, consider budget and aesthetics first. However, there’s more to selecting a self-watering planter than that. Autumn Hilliard-Knapp, Horticulturist at Perfect Plants Nursery, emphasizes the importance of evaluating the self-watering planter’s size.
“I think some people might not realize when they're first starting with one is that you’ve got to make sure that it's the right size for your plants,” she says. “If the roots are too high to the surface and not deep enough, then they're not going to be able to get the water [in the reservoir].”
When this happens, Hilliard-Knapp says that most people’s first reaction is to think that the planter isn’t working. However, the real issue is that a more shallow planter should have been chosen— especially if the plant’s root system isn’t that extensive yet.
“That's why a lot of times when people are starting with self-watering planters, I say to fill it from the top anyway when you're topping off just to make sure it’s getting a good soak through,” she says. “Then eventually the roots grow down and it's no problem to just fill it from the little reservoir.”
Some self-watering planters will even have a water-level indicator, which acts as an extra layer of insurance for the truly plant-challenged, says Bryan Clayton, CEO of GreenPal.
Lastly, you’ll want to think about where you want your plants to live. Inside or outside? Keep the material’s durability in mind, and where you want to put it, before making your final selection.
How We Selected
Before making our final selections, we kept our experts Autumn Hilliard-Knapp and Bryan Clayton’s tips in mind. Having spent years exploring plant care through trial and error, we also kept our own past mistakes (and victories!) in mind.
Since each plant— and self-watering planter— has its own nuance, we also spent time testing out self-watering planters firsthand to inform our guide. As always, we read through thousands of comments made by real users online and on social media to consider reputation as well. Below are the best self-watering planters to help you on your plant parent journey!
1
Terra Cotta and Glass
D'vine Dev Terra Cotta Planter with Cylinder Glass Cup (Set of 2)
1
Terra Cotta and Glass
D'vine Dev Terra Cotta Planter with Cylinder Glass Cup (Set of 2)
Pros
Comes in two sizes (4- and 6-inch)- Terra-cotta material ensures water is slowly absorbed
Cons
- Can be delicate
Terra cotta and glass? Yes, please. We love the chic look of these minimalist materials— and the way these planters take the worry out of our plant care routine.
Terra cotta is a porous material that can dry out quickly, but when placed in water, it actually allows the water to pass through the material and into the soil inside. In this system, plants will absorb only what they need, so you don’t have to be an expert to use this planter. You can also see the water level, so you always know where you’re at. This makes it an excellent beginner-friendly choice— there’s no guessing involved!
This planter is made of a cylinder glass reservoir that houses a terra-cotta planter, so you just have to set it in the glass portion for perfectly watered plants. Plus, they come in several different sizes, which helps you make the right selection for your plant and its roots.
Key Specs
| Dimensions | 4 inch diameter and 4.3 inches tall |
|---|
2
High-Tech Herb Growing
AeroGarden Harvest Elite 360 Indoor Garden Hydroponic System
2
High-Tech Herb Growing
AeroGarden Harvest Elite 360 Indoor Garden Hydroponic System
Pros
- Great for apartments
- Sophisticated, but easy-to-use system
Cons
- Can be visually overwhelming in smaller spaces
While making sure that your plants are getting the appropriate amount of water is essential to good care, it’s not the only factor you need to be aware of. Plants also need to get enough light. If you’re lucky enough to have a windowsill that gets flooded with natural light, you’ll have everything you need for a thriving indoor herb garden. However, not all of us are that lucky.
If your space doesn’t get enough light, then you’ll want to check out the AeroGarden Harvest 360. This indoor planter can grow six 12-inch tall plants at a time in its hydroponic pod system, thanks to its 20-watt LED grow light. (It’ll work wherever you can safely plug it in.)
It also features a sleek digital display with illuminated push-button controls, an internal water pump that periodically runs to help oxygenate the water, and built-in settings to remind users when to add more plant food and water.
It comes with pods for Genovese Basil, Curly Parsley, Dill, Thyme, Thai Basil, and Mint— the essentials that every home chef needs!
Key Specs
| LED Wattage | 20W LED growing light |
|---|---|
| Material | Stainless steel |
3
Best Succulent Option
GARDENIX DECOR Self-Watering Succulent Plant Holders
3
Best Succulent Option
GARDENIX DECOR Self-Watering Succulent Plant Holders
Pros
- Sturdy
- Simple rectangular design will work anywhere
Cons
- Can be delicate
When it comes to succulents, Hilliard-Knapp tells us that they need sandier soil and that the soil should dry out completely before watering again. Because of this, generic self-watering planters won’t do, especially if they’re designed to keep the soil moist 24/7. This would lead to dramatic over-watering!
That’s why it’s important to choose a self-watering planter that’s specific to the needs of succulents, should you choose to care for them this way.
We're big fans of the simple look of this self-watering succulent planter from Gardenix: the company claims it's the first-ever self-watering planter designed entirely for succulents. With its water-level indicator, you can make sure you never over-saturate your succulents again.
We also love that these planters are 100% organic, and made from coco shell fibers. Not only does this create a healthy habitat for your succulents, but the organic material produces just the right drainage that succulents need.
Key Specs
| Quantity | 5-pack |
|---|---|
| Size | 3.5-inch pots |
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4
Best Budget Herb Planter
Amazing Creation Window Herb Planter Box
4
Best Budget Herb Planter
Amazing Creation Window Herb Planter Box
Pros
- Includes drainage hole
- Can be used indoor or outdoor
Cons
- A starter kit, so you’ll need another pot eventually
Planting an herb garden can be a great source of joy— and while sophisticated, high-tech hydro planters can be fun, there are plenty of more affordable ways to start growing your plants indoors as well.
Take, for example, this three-pack of self-watering indoor and outdoor planters. This bundle is an excellent way for would-be gardeners to try their hand at growing herbs. Each pot features a water reservoir that keeps your plants growing without much help from you, and the durable design means it is built to last.
Made for indoor and outdoor use alike, you can keep this self-watering planter in your kitchen, or hang it outside on your windowsill. Since this is an herb starter kit, you’ll eventually transfer your herbs into your garden or a bigger pot. However, these planters are built with longevity in mind, so save them for next season!
Key Specs
| Quantity | 3-pack |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 10.5 x 4 x 5.5 inches |
5
Best Porch Planter
Lark Manor White Kentshire Pot Planter
5
Best Porch Planter
Lark Manor White Kentshire Pot Planter
Pros
- Comes in four colors (white, black, espresso, gray)
- Includes drainage holes
- Weather-resistant
Cons
- Only available in one size (32 x 15.6 inches)
This self-watering plastic planter, made in the USA, is as stylish as it is practical as it adorns your porch or entryway with lush greenery. At 32 x 15.6 inches, this planter is definitely on the larger side. Following Hilliard-Knapp's advice, you’ll want to make sure that whatever plants you fill this planter with have a deep root system so that they can access the water reservoir.
If you end up choosing to use this planter with plants whose roots haven’t grown as deeply yet, you’ll want to make sure you water it from the top as well at the beginning, just to make sure the roots have room to dig down and grow.
While the bigger side might call for a little more work, this planter’s aesthetic and durability make it worth it. The polyethylene plastic it is made from is water, rot, and fade-resistant, so you can use it outdoors season after season and still enjoy its original beauty.
Key Specs
| Dimensions | 32 x 15.6 inches |
|---|---|
| Weight | 12lbs |
6
Best for Hanging Planters
Legigo 14-Inch Hanging Basket Coco Liners (3-Pack)
6
Best for Hanging Planters
Legigo 14-Inch Hanging Basket Coco Liners (3-Pack)
Pros
- Can be used in outdoor hanging baskets
- Decorative and practical
- Comes in 7 different sizes
Cons
- May look out of place indoors
Chances are, you’ve seen these earthy coco liners hanging from many a front porch without ever realizing that these are self-watering planters!
Made from natural coco, these plant liners have thick fibers that absorb water and keep the soil moist. To start, you’ll soak the liner in water for 30 seconds. Then, you’ll place it in your hanging vessel and fill it with soil and plants of your choosing. The coco fiber is hydrophobic and prevents the loss of water, making it so that the plant's roots can drink up and get the water they need to flourish.
The coco liners are 100% natural, so they’re safe to use for veggies, herbs, and flowers alike. While they’re most traditionally used in hanging baskets, you can also use them as a layer in potted plants. No matter which method you choose, these liners take a lot of work off your hands, making it so you’ll have to water them less.
Key Specs
| Quantity | 3-pack |
|---|---|
| Size | 14 inch diameter |
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7
Best Window Box
Mayne Fairfield Window Box
Pros
- Comes in four colors (white, espresso, black, graphite gray)
- Four-season use
Cons
- Dimensions will fit most windows but not all (36 x 11 x 10.8 inches)
If you’re looking to spruce up your home without a lot of fussing around, then this might be the best self-watering planter for you. This polyethylene resin plastic window box was built to withstand even tough winter conditions and is also fade-resistant. This means you can leave it up year-round without having to worry.
The double-wall design also adds sturdiness to the design and provides your plant’s roots with enough room to grow, and plenty of insulation from inclement weather. The water reservoir rests under the soil, with water getting pulled up through the potting mix through capillary action. We also love that this planter comes with a 15-year warranty for homes.
However, there’s one thing you need to do before adding this planter to your shopping cart, and that’s measuring your windowsill. At 36 x 11 x 10.8 inches, this window planter will fit most windowsills, but not all. Make sure it fits yours before you buy!
Key Specs
| Dimensions | 36 x 11 x 10.8 inches |
|---|---|
| Weight | 13.5lbs |
Kathleen Willcox
Kathleen Willcox is a journalist who writes about parenting, technology, shopping, food and wine. Her work appears in a variety of publications, including Popular Mechanics, Wine Enthusiast and SevenFifty Daily. She is based in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., where she lives with her husband and twins.
Melanie Yates
Senior Service Editor
Melanie Yates is the senior service editor of Best Products, where she writes and reports pieces pertaining to the etiquette, dilemmas, and how-tos of gift-giving for different occasions. Previously, she was the site's senior home editor, covering all things decor- and bedding-related since 2015. Her digital byline can also be found on Bustle, House Beautiful, and Elle Decor. A longtime classical-music enthusiast, Melanie spends her off-hours enjoying performances big and small across New York City.
Katherine Pittman
Associate Editor
Katherine (Katie) is the associate editor of Best Products, where she gathers unique gift ideas, tests out buzzy products, and puts too many items in her cart for research — her work can also be found on MyDomaine, Byrdie, and Oprah Daily. When she isn’t writing, you can most likely find her tending to her 50+ plants, starting a new DIY home improvement project, or playing with her puppy, Olive.
