The 15 Best Self-Watering Planters for Even the Most Forgetful Plant Parents

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How Does a Self-Watering Planter Work?

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What Are the Pros and Cons of Self-Watering Planters?

While collecting plants and flowers can be a gratifying hobby, keeping track of your plant’s watering needs can be downright exasperating. First, you buy a plant because you fell for their tropical aura or their unique leaf markings. “How nice this feathery palm plant will look next to my living room window,” you think. Then comes the challenge of keeping it alive, a feat that requires precise awareness a plant’s watering needs. If you fail, it’s either festering in root rot—or worse, withering away into crispy sad leaves that you’re praying were never dubbed by someone as the symbolic love fern. How many plants must be sacrificed for you to become a successful plant whisperer? Add a career or a kid to that mix, and you’re basically better off going for faux plants. Luckily for you, self-watering planters are the perfect solution for busy plant parents. “They are best for those who forget to water their plants regularly or travel often and therefore cannot tend to their plants for longer stretches of time,” says plant influencer and connoisseur Hilton Carter, who knows a thing or two about the ooo dilemma. But before we get into our favorites, let’s dive into how they work.

How Do Self-Watering Planters Work?

Understanding subirrigation and how it works is crucial if you buy a self-watering planter. These types of planters are watered from below, which means that self-watering planters eliminate the inconsistency and take care of water distribution themselves. They thus allow the soil to maintain a constant level of moisture at the base of the pot. For thirstier plants, the roots can grow through the insert and access water and nutrients directly from the reservoir. In other words, self-watering planters deliver water without any guesswork, allowing the plant to drink at its own pace.

What Are the Benefits of Self-Watering Planters?

The most evident benefit of using self-watering planters is that you don’t need to check on your plant’s soil and guess when it needs water. Since these planters allow plants to sip water as needed, they require little attention from humans. The same goes for outdoor plants; having them in self-watering planters will prevent double water after a rainy day. Another benefit is soil maintenance. Since self-watering planters feed plants from the root up, the top of the soil remains dry, warding off pests such as fungus gnats that love moist soil.

How Frequently Do Self-Watering Planters Need to Be Filled?

While standard pots require a weekly refill, a self-watering planter only needs to be filled every few weeks. Sizes can vary, with bigger planters offering a reservoir of water for longer periods of time. However, even the smallest of planters make for fewer watering sessions. That said, Carter says you’re not entirely off the hook. “Test them out well before you take a hiatus,” he advises. “Self-watering planters aren’t a good match for plants that prefer to dry out thoroughly, so it’s good to try them out first under a watchful eye.” He also reminds plant parents to get in the habit of checking plants regularly for other issues that might arise like pests and yellow leaves.

Whether you like a minimal look or a pop of color, these 15 self-watering planters will turn you into a stress-free plant parent and your home into a space for thriving plants and flowers. And—bonus—many of them are oh-so-chic.

Balcony Glass Planter

This modern self-watering planter by West Elm is mouth-blown by skilled artisans for added sleekness and elegance to any room. Inspired by city balconies and terraces, it works for bulbs and herbs as well. We love that there are three different sizes.

Dimensions: Small: 6.5" diam. x 7.5" H; Medium: 9" diam. x 10.5" H; Large: 10.5" diam. x 13.5" H | Material: Glass

Sutton Self-Watering Pot

If you’re looking to add color to your living room, this handmade ceramic planter with pleasing proportions is designed specifically for trailing and cascading plants. Available in multiple colors and designed with minimalism in mind, it can sit cozy in any corner and add a pop of greenery to your space.

Dimensions: 6" D x 4 3/4" H x 6" W | Material: Ceramic

Raised Garden Bed

Thinking about starting your own garden this summer? This raised garden bed is large enough to accommodate almost 13 gallons of soil. Its design is also compact enough to fit next to the rest of your garden furniture. However, if you keep your gardening minimal, it also works well as an elevated flower box planter.

Dimensions: 32. 3" L x 14. 7" W x 30. 7" H | Material: Resin

Plastic Self-Watering Planter

This budget-friendly self-watering planter is a great gift for a college dorm or a first apartment. While simple in design, it still holds enough space for a small to medium size plant and blends well with any white painted wall.

Dimensions: 7" H x 8" W x 8" D | Material: Plastic

Raised Planter Bed

With an innovative modern design, this raised bed kit can be assembled into nine possible configurations to fit any backyard or garden space. The best thing about this planter is seamless to put together, requiring no prior construction knowledge.

Dimensions: Small 3.5' H x 6.5' W and 2' H x 8' W | Materials: Aluminum coated steel.

Pollyanna Hanging Planter

If you’ve ever been scared of hanging flowers in your home, this self-watering hanging pot is just the solution. Made with Artstone, a blend of natural stone and high-grade resin, it’s lightweight and durable. With a rustic look, it can be used indoors and outdoors.

Dimensions: Small 6.5" D x 6.5" W x 8" H; Large: 5.75" H x 12" W x 12" D | Materials: Plastic, Stone, Resin

Pesse White Planter

Glazed with a shiny and glossy finish, this ceramic pot features a hidden saucer with a drainage hole, which is perfect for placing over wooden furniture or any countertop. This planter is recommended for indoor use only.

Dimensions: 8.75" H x 11" Diam | Material: Ceramic

Self-Watering Planter and Propagation Station

This elegant set—made up of glass, ceramic, and terra-cotta—is both a self-watering pot and a propagation station. So when your plant has matured enough, its setup is sure to give you a second plant with time. Total plant magic!

Dimensions: 7" L x 5.3" W x 6" H | Materials: Glass, Ceramic, Terra-cotta

Self-Watering Pots

Coming in a set of three, these self-watering planters feature mesh drainage holes to prevent soil loss and overwatering, as well as a removable water feeder to avoid root rot and provide optimal moisture. Made from recyclable materials, this set is perfect if you’re looking to repot plants or if you want to adorn multiple plants side by side.

Dimensions: 6.5" D x 6.5" W x 8" H | Material: Plastic

Self-Watering Planters

This twin set of raised garden bed planters is designed with a wicking cell system that closes the bottom of the bed, redistributing the remaining water over time. With an industrial look, these are perfect for indoor and outdoor spaces.

Dimensions: 2' diam x 17" H | Material: Plastic

Self-Watering Planter

Available in different shapes, sizes, and colors, these cute pots are ideal for mixing and matching. Combining them will add personality to any corner of your home.

Dimensions: Various, see product page | Material: Ceramic

Glass and Ceramic Planter

While looking stylish and modern, this planter comes with a glass outer and ceramic liner. This is a great option for beginners, as it’s easy to tell when the water runs out. Bonus: It comes in three different sizes.

Dimensions: 4" diam | Materials: Glass, Ceramic

Urn Planter

For your entry porch plants, this self-watering urn—composed of a hand-painted mineral finish and lightweight resin—makes an impressive statement path in your entryway.

Dimensions: 21" diam x 20" H | Materials: Stoneware, Resin

Self-Watering Planter

This self-watering box planter will bring any balcony or railing to life. Ideal for both indoor and outdoor use, it’s shatterproof and UV resistant and also easy to transport throughout the seasons. When used outdoors, a drain plug allows excess rainwater to drain to avoid overwatering.

Dimensions: 7" D x 20" W x 7" H | Material: Plastic

Varick Self-Watering Pot

This ceramic asymmetric self-watering pot is the ultimate vessel for displaying your prized houseplants. With a large reservoir at the bottom, the pot allows for more time between waterings and immediately beautifies any space.

Dimensions: N/A | Material: Ceramic

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